Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Automation Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Manufacturing Engineer identifies, develops, and implements automation and process improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and safety across manufacturing operations. This role leads capital projects from concept through installation and startup, supports production teams, and drives manufacturing efficiency through automation, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement efforts.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated manufacturing solutions and equipment upgrades to improve productivity, quality, and safety.
• Lead capital projects from initial concept through detailed design, installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for process improvements, cost reduction, and workflow optimization across manufacturing operations.
• Conduct ROI and payback analyses for automation and equipment investments to support sound business decisions.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and support production goals.
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes, tooling, and plant layouts to increase efficiency and throughput.
• Manage vendors, equipment suppliers, and contractors during project execution, ensuring timely delivery and successful integration of equipment.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend new automation technologies and manufacturing equipment that align with strategic objectives.
• Support quality, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives through robust process design and problem solving.
• Provide technical support for production operations, including equipment troubleshooting and production support.
• Plan and manage project budgets related to automation and capital equipment.
• Create and update work instructions and process documentation to ensure consistent and reliable manufacturing practices.
• Apply process engineering and machining knowledge to optimize automated manufacturing systems.
• Travel a few times per year to manufacturing plants to oversee installation, testing, and startup of equipment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience within automated manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, automation, or industrial engineering.
• Experience leading capital equipment projects and implementing manufacturing process improvements and automation systems.
• Working knowledge of mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment and basic electro-mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and SolidWorks for designing equipment, layouts, and tooling.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office for analysis, documentation, and project communication.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering teams, and external vendors.
• Experience in workflow planning, process engineering, and production support.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with workflow optimization and cost reduction initiatives.
• Experience in machining and manufacturing processes.
• Experience creating and maintaining work instructions and process documentation.
• Comfort working with vendors and equipment suppliers during specification, procurement, and installation.
• Ability to research and evaluate new automation technologies and manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with design and implementation of automation systems in a production environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a corporate headquarters environment that includes a warehouse-sized building where automated equipment is received, assembled, and tested before being shipped to manufacturing plants. You will work with industrial automation technologies, mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment, and engineering design tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. The environment combines office-based engineering work with hands-on interaction with equipment in a large test facility. Occasional travel a few times per year is required to manufacturing plants to oversee equipment installation and startup. The culture emphasizes continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration, offering opportunities to work on challenging automation projects that directly impact manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Savannah, GA.

The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $53.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Contract to Hire position based out of Savannah, GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 1, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Savannah,GA.

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 click.appcast.io 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.