Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer leads the implementation of new products and product revisions, driving process design and continuous improvement initiatives across the production floor. This role focuses on improving product quality, increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing cost and waste, and ensuring all process developments comply with the Quality Management System. The position works closely with operations, project management, and leadership to optimize manufacturing processes, introduce new equipment and technologies, and support a safe and efficient production environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the implementation of new products and product revisions for assigned projects, ensuring robust process design and smooth integration into manufacturing.
• Identifying, planning, and implementing process-related continuous improvement activities to enhance product quality and increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Ensuring all process developments, changes, and improvements comply with established Quality Management System requirements.
• Creating and updating working drawings, digital files, and CNC programs as needed to support manufacturing operations.
• Engaging with cross-functional personnel to identify, investigate, and resolve corrective and preventive actions addressing quality, technical, and manufacturing issues.
• Managing projects by developing accurate plans, conducting research, coordinating resources, and ensuring timely delivery and clear reporting of all project deliverables.
• Staying current on new developments and technologies in relevant engineering disciplines and proactively recommending best practices, methodologies, procedures, processes, and equipment.
• Using business software systems to create and edit manufacturing floor work orders, update process standards, and analyze, troubleshoot, and trend historical process equipment and production data.
• Leading Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma initiatives as needed to increase production efficiency, reduce cost, and improve process stability.
• Collaborating with outside vendors to develop new equipment and implement modifications to existing equipment that support process improvements and cost savings.
• Working closely with operations teams, including maintenance and supply chain, to support the entire production floor through continuous improvements to processes and equipment.
• Communicating clearly and consistently with line leaders and production personnel to ensure understanding of process changes, work instructions, and improvement activities.
• Leading the implementation of engineering changes at the operations level, coordinating material and process changeovers to minimize disruption.
• Updating PFMEA, QCP, and work instructions to reflect engineering changes and ensure ongoing product and process quality.
• Performing root cause analysis for customer complaints, documenting findings using 8D methodology, and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Designing and optimizing processes for new product introductions, coordinating team efforts during line trials for experimental formulas and compounds.
• Supporting cost-saving initiatives by coordinating trials and validating process changes that reduce material usage, labor, or waste.
• Optimizing material yields to reduce scrap and improve overall product quality.
• Advocating for material changes with R&D when current materials drive excessive waste or process inefficiencies, providing data-based recommendations.
• Optimizing continuous processes to reduce labor requirements through lean methodologies or updated process technologies.
• Implementing process improvements that prioritize workforce safety, including performing job hazard analyses and overseeing equipment start-ups prior to handoff to operations.
• Assisting the commercial team by providing process-related input and estimates for job quotations.
• Conducting and supporting statistical process control and capability analysis to maintain stable, capable manufacturing processes.
• Managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously while maintaining high attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Essential skills include:

• 4–7 years of engineering work experience in manufacturing environments.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field, or comparable work experience.
• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering and process engineering within a production setting.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency with CNC and CNC machines, including the ability to create or modify CNC programs.
• Ability to create and interpret 2D drawings; proficiency with 2D software (such as AutoCAD) is required.
• Experience with 3D CAD software, with preference for Creo or SolidWorks.
• Strong experience in process improvement, including the use of Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced spreadsheets, macros, and form development.
• Experience using statistical software such as Minitab or JMP for data analysis and process capability studies.
• Relevant experience with statistical process control (SPC) and capability analysis.
• Working knowledge of FMEA and QCP tools and their application in manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated project management experience with medium to large-scale or complex projects.
• Experience with ERP or similar business information systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and risk assessment.
• Strong attention to detail and a structured, analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work on own initiative and manage tasks with minimal supervision.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with proven leadership abilities in cross-functional settings.
• Flexibility to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to travel domestically up to approximately 10% of the time.

Additional skills and qualifications include:

• Experience in industries such as plastics, paper mill, concrete, or food manufacturing is a plus.
• Experience leading or participating in Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma teams to drive efficiency and cost reduction.
• Achievement of Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt accreditation is highly advantageous.
• Formal Lean Manufacturing training or accreditation is a strong asset.
• Experience performing job hazard analysis and supporting safety-focused process improvements.
• Exposure to 8D problem-solving methodology for customer complaint resolution.
• Experience optimizing material yields and labor through process redesign and technology upgrades.
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, supply chain, and commercial teams.
• Strong ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Work environment includes:

This role operates in both floor and office environments, providing direct exposure to manufacturing processes as well as time for analysis, design, and project work in an office setting. On the production floor, the engineer interacts closely with line leaders, operators, maintenance, and supply chain teams to observe processes, support equipment start-ups, and implement improvements. The office environment supports detailed engineering work, data analysis, CAD design, CNC programming, and project management activities using ERP systems, Excel, and statistical software. The position involves occasional domestic travel of less than 10% to support projects or vendor interactions. The overall culture emphasizes continuous improvement, safety, collaboration, and innovation in optimizing manufacturing operations and reducing costs.

Job type and location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Menomonee Falls, WI.

Pay and benefits:

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace type:

This is a fully onsite position in Menomonee Falls, WI.

Application deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Actalent:

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.