Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer develops, optimizes, and supports manufacturing processes in a high-mix, vertically integrated environment with a strong emphasis on CNC machining, fixture design, and continuous improvement. This role plays a key part in new product introduction, CNC programming support, lean initiatives, and shop floor technical support, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost performance. The manufacturing capabilities supported include CNC machining, manual machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and mechanical assembly.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC machining processes to improve throughput, quality, and cost.
• Create, revise, and maintain CNC programs for Haas equipment (including VF-4 and UMC-750) using Autodesk Fusion.
• Design and develop fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids using Autodesk Inventor.
• Leverage additive manufacturing and 3D printing to support fixture and tooling development.
• Provide hands-on technical support to shop floor personnel, including CNC setup assistance and troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain production routers, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation within ERP systems.
• Develop and update work instructions, test procedures, and process documentation to ensure consistent and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Analyze manufacturing KPIs, process data, and production costs to identify opportunities for process improvement and waste reduction.
• Lead and participate in Continuous Improvement and Lean Six Sigma projects to drive operational excellence.
• Support and lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Submit, track, and manage Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to maintain accurate and current product and process definitions.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, operations, and leadership teams on cross-functional initiatives to improve overall performance.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to ensure robust and accurate manufacturing processes.
• Support multi-axis machining processes and tooling strategies to enhance capability and flexibility on the shop floor.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a strong CNC machining background.
• Hands-on experience supporting CNC machining operations, including setup and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with CAD software, with a focus on Autodesk Inventor for design and fixture development.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience creating and maintaining production documentation, including routers and manufacturing instructions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret manufacturing data and KPIs for process improvement.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities in a high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to use hand tools and measuring instruments accurately.
• Experience with manufacturing engineering, machining, tooling, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Familiarity with CNC operation, CNC setup, and multi-axis machining concepts.
• Understanding and application of GD&T in a production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification or equivalent experience leading improvement projects.
• CNC setup and operating experience on Haas VF-series or UMC machines.
• Experience with Autodesk Fusion (Fusion 360) for CAM and CNC programming.
• ERP system experience supporting production routers, BOMs, and manufacturing data.
• Experience using 3D printing or other additive manufacturing equipment to support tooling and fixture development.
• Experience with 3D scanning technologies for manufacturing or inspection support.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Power BI or Microsoft Access.
• Experience working in high-mix or job shop manufacturing environments.
• Experience with additional CAD platforms such as SolidWorks.
• background in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in tooling design, fixture design, and the use of 3D printers to support process innovation.

Work Environment

The role operates within a high-mix, vertically integrated manufacturing environment that includes CNC machining, manual machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and mechanical assembly. You will work closely with shop floor teams and cross-functional partners, spending time both in an office setting using CAD, CAM, and ERP systems, and on the production floor providing hands-on technical support. The environment emphasizes lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making, with regular use of technologies such as Haas CNC machines (VF-4 and UMC-750), Autodesk Fusion, Autodesk Inventor, and ERP platforms. Collaboration, clear communication, and a practical, safety-conscious approach to working around machinery and production equipment are essential.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Niles, IL.

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $44.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Niles,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

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.