Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer supports a fast-paced production environment by troubleshooting line stoppages, driving continuous improvement, and implementing robust processes that directly impact products designed to protect lives. This role blends hands-on work on the manufacturing floor with analytical problem solving, partnering closely with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams to improve reliability, reduce downtime, and sustain high output and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and address production line stoppages to restore flow quickly and minimize downtime.
• Analyze root causes of production issues and implement effective solutions that improve reliability and reduce recurring problems.
• Partner with production leadership and operators to sustain output levels while meeting or exceeding quality requirements.
• Maintain and update process documentation, including standard work instructions and troubleshooting procedures, to ensure consistency and clarity.
• Develop and manage process controls and control plans that support stable, repeatable manufacturing operations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies and data-driven decision making.
• 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 improve equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• 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 throughput, and control production costs.
• Document tooling designs and equipment concepts in coordination with R&D and quality teams to ensure alignment and traceability.
• Source, install, and validate new equipment and process tools to support production improvements and automation initiatives.
• Support the Finishing Value Stream, including CNC machining, adhesion, application of Velcro, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.
• Lead or support root cause analysis activities and implement corrective and preventive actions to address process and quality issues.
• Integrate engineering principles related to pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, PLCs, electro-mechanical systems, and heat transfer into process and equipment solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement Lean manufacturing practices such as SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.
• Adapt to an environment with evolving processes, ambiguity, and limited structure by proactively defining, refining, and standardizing workflows.
• Balance time between the manufacturing floor and desk-based engineering work, typically spending the majority of time directly supporting operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3 plus years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Manufacturing engineering experience with a focus on production processes and continuous improvement.
• Process engineering experience, including development, optimization, and control of manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis to diagnose and resolve production issues.
• SolidWorks design experience for tooling, fixtures, and equipment concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production processes and equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to apply engineering principles and knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, PLCs, electro-mechanical systems, and heat transfer.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, including SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.
• Experience using root cause analysis tools such as 5-Why and 8D.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to lead root cause analysis activities and drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience with composites and adhesive processes.
• ERP/MES integration experience for routings, bills of materials (BOMs), and process improvement.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, tooling design, machining, and fabrication.
• Comfort working in an environment where processes are not fully defined and require clarification and standardization.
• Experience supporting or implementing automation within a manufacturing facility.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a recently remodeled, extremely clean manufacturing facility focused on developing advanced head protection systems for high-impact, mission-critical applications. The environment is fast paced and hands-on, with approximately 60% of time spent on the manufacturing floor and 40% at a desk performing design, analysis, documentation, and coordination activities. The organization is actively working to implement more automation and is building additional engineering leadership capacity to support ongoing and future projects. Dress expectations align with a clean, professional manufacturing environment where safety and cleanliness are prioritized.

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 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.