Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer supports both day-to-day operations and key project initiatives within a distribution center environment. This highly hands-on role focuses on troubleshooting autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), forklifts, and other material handling equipment, while driving process improvements and supporting new system implementations. Acting as a second-line support resource, the engineer diagnoses and resolves complex operational and equipment-related issues and plays a key role in launching new automation technologies and optimizing picking workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), forklifts, material handling equipment, and distribution center systems and processes.

• Serve as a second-line support resource to diagnose and resolve complex operational and equipment-related issues that frontline teams cannot resolve.

• Support the launch of new automation technologies, including the implementation of a new AMR system.

• Lead and support the transition from paper-based product pulling and picking to a tablet-driven workflow.

• Analyze current picking and operational workflows to understand performance and identify bottlenecks.

• Document existing processes in detail and identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to define an ideal future state for operations and implement improved processes and systems.

• Prepare and present recommendations, findings, and project updates to leadership in a clear and structured manner.

• Design and modify facility layouts using AutoCAD to optimize operational flow, safety, and equipment placement.

• Support capital procurement projects, including evaluating options and contributing to equipment selection decisions.

• Apply root cause failure analysis techniques to identify underlying issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Contribute to project management activities related to automation and process improvement initiatives, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.

• Provide on-call support as needed to assist with production issues on second or third shifts.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or operations engineering environment.

• Hands-on experience troubleshooting machinery, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), forklifts, and material handling equipment.

• Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated experience in root cause failure analysis.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, including experience creating and modifying facility layouts.

• Experience working with AMR systems in an operational or distribution center environment.

• Experience in manufacturing engineering or operations engineering with exposure to distribution center processes.

• Ability to analyze operational workflows and document processes in a clear and structured manner.

• Experience supporting or participating in project management activities for engineering or automation projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with KUKA or similar automation and robotics technologies.

• Experience implementing or supporting tablet-driven picking or similar digital workflows.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with leadership.

• Comfort working in a hands-on operations setting with frequent interaction with equipment and production teams.

Work Environment

This role is based in a distribution center environment with a standard schedule of approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with limited overtime expected. At times, the engineer may need to be on call to support production issues on second or third shifts. The work involves regular interaction with autonomous mobile robots, forklifts, material handling equipment, and tablet-based picking systems, as well as time spent in office or workstation areas using AutoCAD and other tools. The environment is fast-paced and operations-focused, with an emphasis on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement. During the assignment, the engineer will contribute to transitioning the facility from a paper-based picking system to a tablet-driven process, and will have access to one week of paid time off during the year.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Holland, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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 Holland,MI.

Application Deadline

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 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.