Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for implementing and optimizing equipment, processes, and systems that support the production of complex heavy equipment. This role focuses heavily on assembly process development, cost reduction initiatives, and the interpretation and creation of schematics and technical drawings to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and overall operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and optimize manufacturing and assembly processes to ensure efficient production and high-quality output.
• Analyze assembly workflows, tooling, and line balancing to improve throughput and reduce bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with production teams to implement best practices in fabrication, machining, welding, and final assembly.
• Identify and execute cost-reduction opportunities across materials, labor, tooling, and processes.
• Evaluate labor and operational costs against targets and drive initiatives to meet or exceed cost objectives.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.
• Analyze time studies, workflow, and equipment utilization to reduce production costs and improve productivity.
• Read, interpret, and develop schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings to support manufacturing processes.
• Create detailed layouts, fixture designs, and tooling specifications that support robust and repeatable production.
• Support product development by translating engineering designs into manufacturable solutions.
• Design, test, and implement new manufacturing methods, equipment, and systems to improve performance and reliability.
• Improve plant layout, workflow, and space utilization for optimal efficiency and safety.
• Establish process standards, testing methods, and quality controls to ensure consistent product quality.
• Calculate production, labor, and material costs and provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Conduct capacity analysis, cycle time studies, and line balancing to support planning and scaling.
• Prepare reports summarizing process performance, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure equipment is safe, effective, and properly maintained to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with vendors for equipment selection, tooling design, and process improvements.
• Train and guide production team members on new processes, work instructions, and equipment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and supply chain to support new product introduction and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in heavy equipment manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in assembly processes within heavy equipment manufacturing.
• Proven track record in cost-cutting, cost analysis, and process optimization.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly operations.
• Experience with manufacturing tools, fixtures, and equipment design.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to conduct time studies, workflow analysis, and cost evaluations.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.
• Effective project management skills with the ability to drive initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience in assembly process development and optimization.
• Demonstrated experience in cost reduction and working with costed bills of materials (BOMs).
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and creating schematics and technical drawings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and EPDM (preferred).
• Experience working in new product introduction and collaboration with vendors.
• Experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, and process engineering.
• Hands-on experience with assembly operations and process improvements.
• Ability to design and refine fixtures, tooling, and layouts that support efficient manufacturing.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Wooster, with a standard schedule of four days per week on site. The work environment centers around a heavy equipment manufacturing facility, where you will work closely with production, engineering, and operations teams on the shop floor and in an engineering office setting. You will regularly interact with manufacturing equipment, assembly lines, tooling, fixtures, and digital tools such as CAD and ERP systems. The role involves frequent observation of live production processes, collaboration with vendors, and hands-on engagement with new and existing manufacturing methods in a fast-paced, improvement-focused environment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wooster, OH.

The pay range for this position is $45.67 - $52.00/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 Wooster,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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.

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.