Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Senior Manufacturing Engineer supports a fast-paced, highly technical manufacturing environment by driving process reliability, reducing downtime, and enabling continuous improvement. This role focuses on troubleshooting production line issues, developing robust processes and control plans, and implementing tooling and equipment solutions that enhance quality, safety, and cost efficiency. The engineer partners closely with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams to sustain output, meet stringent performance requirements, and support ongoing automation initiatives.
Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve production line stoppages to minimize downtime and maintain consistent output.
• Analyze root causes of production issues and implement sustainable corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce recurring problems.
• Partner with production leadership and operators to sustain output levels and ensure products meet all quality requirements.
• Maintain, update, and improve process documentation, including standard work instructions and troubleshooting procedures.
• Develop and manage process control plans to ensure stable, repeatable manufacturing performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies and Lean manufacturing tools.
• Apply problem-solving tools, such as 5-Why and 8D, to investigate and resolve complex production challenges.
• Work closely with maintenance and controls teams to address equipment performance issues and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Identify and engage vendors, assisting in the development of specifications for tooling, equipment, and materials.
• Design and implement fixtures and tooling that minimize defects, improve ergonomics, and control production costs.
• Document tooling designs and equipment concepts in coordination with R&D and quality teams to ensure alignment with product and process requirements.
• Source, install, and validate new equipment and process tools to support production improvements and automation efforts.
• Support the Finishing Value Stream, including CNC machining, adhesion and adhesive applications, Velcro application, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.
• Spend approximately 60% of time on the production floor and 40% at a desk, providing hands-on support and engineering analysis.
• Lead or actively participate in root cause analysis efforts and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support integration of ERP/MES systems for routings, bills of materials, and process improvement activities.
• Navigate ambiguity and incomplete or not clearly defined processes, helping to create structure, define standards, and build scalable procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support implementation of increased automation within the facility.
• Act as a technical resource and informal leader within the engineering team, helping to relieve workload and drive key projects to completion.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Hands-on manufacturing engineering experience, including troubleshooting production processes and equipment.
• SolidWorks design experience for tooling, fixtures, or equipment concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles and knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, PLCs, electro-mechanical systems, and heat transfer.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering and process engineering, including development and improvement of production processes.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving for production issues.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles such as SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.
• Experience using root cause analysis tools, including 5-Why and 8D.
• Ability to work effectively on the production floor in a fast-paced environment while balancing desk-based engineering work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams.
• Self-starter mindset with strong work ethic and the ability to operate effectively in environments with limited structure.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to lead root cause analysis activities and drive implementation of corrective actions.
• Advanced knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience with composites and adhesive applications in a manufacturing environment.
• ERP/MES integration experience for routings, bills of materials (BOMs), and process improvements.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, tooling design, machining, and fabrication.
• Background supporting finishing operations such as CNC machining, adhesion, Velcro application, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.
• Experience working in environments undergoing increased automation and process standardization.
• Strong curiosity, proactive problem-solving approach, and comfort working with ambiguous or evolving processes.

Work Environment
The role is based in a recently remodeled, extremely clean manufacturing facility focused on advanced head protection systems designed to help protect against serious impact-related injuries. The environment is fast-paced and mission-driven, with products that directly affect and support people who operate in high-risk situations. Typical working hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a requirement for occasional flexibility to support first shift (around 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and second shift (around 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) as production needs arise. The position is highly hands-on, with about 60% of time spent on the production floor and 40% at a desk performing design, analysis, documentation, and coordination work. The engineer supports the Finishing Value Stream, which includes CNC machining, adhesive and Velcro application, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging, and works closely with maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams. The facility is implementing more automation, and some processes and workflows are not yet fully defined, so the environment includes a degree of ambiguity and evolving structure. The culture emphasizes thoughtful design, continuous improvement, and allowing operators and end users to focus on their mission by providing reliable, well-engineered products.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $41.00 - $46.00/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 Cleveland,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.