Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

The Manufacturing Engineer analyzes, develops, and improves manufacturing processes to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and increase productivity. This role supports both ongoing production and new product introduction by applying lean methodologies, optimizing equipment and tooling, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. The engineer also develops detailed documentation, ensures safety and regulatory compliance, and drives capital and process improvement projects from concept through implementation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, develop, and improve manufacturing processes to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and optimize productivity.

• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to streamline production operations.

• Lead and drive the implementation of capital projects, including return-on-investment analysis.

• Select, design, and modify production tools, fixtures, and equipment to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and safe operations.

• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams to minimize operational downtime.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and sales teams to develop and implement quality standards, inspection protocols, and corrective actions.

• Monitor product quality and process performance, analyze data, and identify root causes of defects to maintain and improve product quality.

• Oversee work progress, resolve problems, and ensure timely completion of engineering and production projects.

• Evaluate and present recommendations to leadership regarding staffing levels, schedules, capacity, performance, and other key performance indicators.

• Prepare and maintain detailed layouts of buildings, equipment, and production lines.

• Follow established procedures and create, update, and maintain process documentation as required.

• Collaborate with design engineering, procurement, and other teams to ensure new products are designed for manufacturability.

• Support prototyping and testing efforts, adjusting manufacturing processes as needed based on test results.

• Estimate time and cost for manufacturing processes and participate in cross-functional project teams to deliver key manufacturing and process development initiatives.

• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in line with established performance criteria.

• Prepare and revise CAD drawings, including flat patterns and all dimensions required to fabricate parts.

• Develop CAD drawings of piece parts, weldments, and complete machines using electronic layouts, prints, drawings, and other technical sources.

• Review processes and procedures to preserve and improve employee safety in all manufacturing activities.

• Evaluate and recommend pricing proposals using the best available technical and process information.

• Conduct research, design, and development of manufacturing processes, including production flow, assembly methods, and production equipment.

• Consult with customers and manage new product development activities, including project timelines and deliverables.

• Develop quality control plans to ensure part and product conformity to specifications.

• Support quality engineers with programming of CNC equipment to enable new product introduction.

• Enforce safety standards and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and internal policies within all manufacturing operations.

• Proactively identify potential safety hazards and lead initiatives to eliminate or mitigate risks.

• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation of processes, standards, and equipment modifications.

• Train production personnel in new processes and updated procedures to ensure consistent execution.

• Write and implement work instructions, processes, and procedures for the production floor and engineering department.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and materials.

• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

• Experience working with ERP, MRP, and CRM systems.

• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and lean manufacturing practices.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills applied to manufacturing environments.

• Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and reporting.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.

• Strong presentation skills for communicating technical information to diverse audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured process improvement methodologies.

• Hands-on experience with 3D printing technologies in a manufacturing or prototyping context.

• Experience supporting CNC programming for new product introduction.

• Background in developing quality control plans and inspection protocols.

• Experience preparing and maintaining facility and equipment layouts.

• Prior involvement in capital project justification and ROI analysis.

• Experience collaborating directly with customers on new product development and timelines.

Work Environment

This role involves a balanced mix of office and shop floor work, providing exposure to both engineering design activities and hands-on manufacturing operations. On the office side, you will work extensively with CAD software, ERP/MRP/CRM systems, and documentation tools to design processes, layouts, and components. On the shop floor, you will interact closely with production, maintenance, and quality teams, observe live operations, and support equipment, tooling, and process improvements in a manufacturing environment. Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers, vendors, and trade shows for project support, technical collaboration, and technology scouting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Owatonna, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Owatonna,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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 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.