Manufacturing Engineer (Automation Focused)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Automation focused)

Job Description

The ManufacturingEngineer supports the implementation, launch, and optimization of automation solutions within a large manufacturing environment. This role focuses on deployment, commissioning, startup, and operational optimization of automation and material handling technologies, while also contributing to material flow analysis, process improvement, and solution development. The position works closely with operations, engineering, materials, logistics, controls, and automation teams to deploy and sustain technologies that improve safety, quality, material flow, and overall operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Support the installation, commissioning, startup, and stabilization of automation systems and material handling technologies in a manufacturing plant.
• Coordinate deployment activities with suppliers, plant stakeholders, contractors, and engineering teams to ensure successful installation, commissioning, and launch execution.
• Participate in system testing, operational validation, and launch readiness activities to confirm functionality and performance prior to full-scale operations.
• Monitor system performance during startup and ramp-up periods and actively support issue identification, troubleshooting, and resolution.
• Validate achievement of project timing, safety, quality, and operational objectives throughout deployment and launch phases.
• Assist in the development and execution of implementation plans, testing plans, and operational readiness activities for new automation solutions.
• Support operational handoff activities, including preparing and delivering training, creating documentation, and contributing to sustainment planning.
• Support integration of automation systems with manufacturing, logistics, and material handling operations to ensure seamless end-to-end workflows.
• Assist in troubleshooting controls, communication, material flow, and equipment performance issues to maintain reliable operations.
• Collaborate with controls engineers, automation suppliers, and plant maintenance teams to diagnose and resolve technical problems in a timely manner.
• Support validation of equipment functionality, operational performance, and system reliability through structured testing and analysis.
• Support configuration, testing, and optimization of fleet management, traffic control, and automation software platforms associated with deployed systems.
• Analyze equipment alarms, downtime events, and operational disruptions to identify corrective actions and improvement opportunities.
• Participate in root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities associated with automation deployments.
• Monitor automation system performance and identify opportunities to improve safety, productivity, throughput, utilization, and reliability.
• Review operational data and performance metrics to support continuous improvement initiatives and inform decision-making.
• Recommend process, routing, material flow, and equipment adjustments based on observed operational results and performance trends.
• Support optimization of automation technologies through analysis of throughput, utilization, system performance, traffic flow, and other operational metrics.
• Collaborate with operations, materials, logistics, and engineering teams to improve material flow and overall operational efficiency.
• Participate in reviews of material delivery processes, replenishment methods, inventory strategies, and facility layouts to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support evaluation of automation opportunities and future-state process concepts for manufacturing and logistics operations.
• Assist with labor, productivity, capacity, and operational analyses used to support project decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, materials, logistics, supply chain, safety, IT, and external suppliers to drive successful deployments.
• Communicate project status, technical issues, risks, and recommendations clearly to project teams and leadership.
• Support supplier coordination, equipment reviews, implementation activities, and resolution of operational issues during and after launch.
• Participate in project meetings and help drive timely closure of action items and project deliverables.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, implementation plans, training materials, testing records, and operational work instructions as required.
• Support development of standardized deployment processes, troubleshooting guides, and best practices for automation systems.
• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement of automation deployment methodologies.
• Share knowledge and best practices across project teams to build organizational capability in autonomous manufacturing.

Essential Skills

• Experience in manufacturing automation, industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing engineering, robotics, material handling, or related technical disciplines.
• Hands-on experience with commissioning, startup, deployment, stabilization, or operational support of manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot automation technologies such as AMRs, AGVs, AFTs, ASRS, robotic systems, conveyors, and automated material handling systems or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of controls systems, industrial networking, equipment integration, PLC-based systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, logistics operations, material flow processes, and production support activities.
• Experience with root cause analysis, structured problem solving, issue resolution, and continuous improvement activities.
• Experience in process optimization, productivity improvement, equipment utilization, uptime improvement, or operational performance analysis.
• Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration with operations, maintenance, engineering, supply chain, materials, logistics, and equipment suppliers.
• Ability to use data analysis and reporting tools to support operational decision-making and performance improvement.
• Experience with project implementation, execution, coordination, and providing technical leadership on deployment activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex technical issues and develop practical solutions.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for interacting with diverse technical and operational teams.
• Strong organization and project execution skills, including managing multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting automation deployments from installation through operational handoff, including training and documentation.
• Experience with material automation, logistics automation, warehouse automation, or autonomous vehicle technologies.
• Familiarity with material flow analysis, labor optimization, and capacity planning in manufacturing or logistics operations.
• Exposure to robotics and industrial automation technologies in production settings.
• Experience working within an autonomous manufacturing or advanced deployment organization is beneficial.
• Ability to thrive in a highly invested, growth-oriented automation initiative within an OEM environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large OEM manufacturing plant within a newer autonomous manufacturing and deployment initiative that has received significant investment. The typical work schedule is first shift, generally starting between 6:00–7:00 a.m. and ending between 2:30–3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Periodic off-shift work of 1–2 weeks may be required when deploying new systems or units to minimize disruption to production. The current local team is small, providing opportunities for close collaboration, broad responsibility, and direct impact on automation projects. The environment is highly technical and fast-paced, with extensive interaction with production equipment, automation systems, material handling technologies, and cross-functional teams across operations, engineering, logistics, controls, and IT.

This is a Permanent position based out of Spring Hill, TN.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 Spring Hill,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.