Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing EngineerThe Manufacturing Engineer develops, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and production performance at a hands-on electrical control panel facility in Reading, PA. This role focuses primarily on manufacturing processes, with some R&D support, and works closely with production, quality, operations, and maintenance teams to resolve technical challenges, introduce new products and lines, and drive continuous improvement across largely manual assembly operations.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality in primarily manual production environments.Evaluate and implement new tooling, jigs, fixtures, software, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and streamline existing production lines.Lead the development of new production lines, including layout, process design, and implementation of new build processes to support growth and facility expansion.Use CAD tools such as SolidWorks for 3D modeling of jigs, fixtures, and tooling, and AutoCAD for general plant and line layouts.Own and manage capital equipment (CapEx) projects from research and design through implementation on the plant floor.Identify root causes of production issues and apply structured problem-solving methods such as root cause analysis, 8D, or FMEA to develop and implement effective corrective actions.Collaborate with production, quality, and operations teams to ensure all processes meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications, including UL 508A for electrical control panels.Develop, maintain, and improve process documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical specifications.Support the introduction of new products and processes by leading process validation, trials, and documentation activities.Monitor production performance metrics such as cycle time and takt time, analyze data, and make data-driven recommendations for process improvement.Partner with maintenance and equipment teams to ensure manufacturing equipment is properly maintained and operating at peak performance.Provide technical guidance and daily support to production staff and cross-functional teams on process, tooling, and equipment-related topics.Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S (or 6S), Kanban, Poka-Yoke, and related methodologies.Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with company safety policies, environmental regulations, and applicable industry standards.Contribute to the evolution of a more line-based ownership model by becoming a subject matter expert on assigned product lines and serving as a key point of contact for those lines.Essential SkillsBachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.Minimum of 35 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing engineering role.Demonstrated experience in process improvement, tooling, and production optimization within a production environment.Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, manual assembly processes, automation techniques, tooling, and process design, with the ability to apply that knowledge directly on the shop floor.Proficiency with structured problem-solving methods such as root cause analysis, 8D, and FMEA.Experience applying lean manufacturing principles, including 5S (or 6S), cycle time reduction, takt time analysis, Kanban, and Poka-Yoke.Familiarity with Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodologies.Familiarity with automation systems and advanced manufacturing technologies.Knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO or AS9100.Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office for data analysis, documentation, and communication.Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.Ability to work collaboratively across departments and lead cross-functional initiatives.Proven ability to take ownership of projects, drive initiatives forward, and provide technical direction to team members and production staff.Valid drivers license.Ability to pass a drug screening and background check.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in facilities or process layout design using AutoCAD.Experience with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks for designing jigs, fixtures, and tooling; experience with CREO or similar 3D modeling tools is also valuable and transferable.Experience with manufacturing ERP systems.Background in manufacturing electrical control panels or similar electromechanical assemblies, ideally under standards such as UL 508A.Exposure to manufacturing for industries such as semiconductor, automotive, or HVAC is beneficial.Demonstrated attention to detail to ensure processes consistently meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.Experience participating in or leading continuous improvement projects in a hands-on production environment.Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a hands-on manufacturing and engineering environment with a strong focus on continuous improvement, safety, and cross-functional teamwork. The facility builds electrical control panels for power distribution applications under UL 508A, serving customers in the semiconductor, automotive, and HVAC industries. Most processes in the plant are manual, providing frequent interaction with the production floor, tooling, and equipment. The engineering team is currently small and experienced, with team members having over a decade of tenure and deep knowledge of plant operations, and is actively growing to add more Manufacturing Engineers and Manufacturing Engineering Technicians. The work includes direct involvement in new production line development, plant and line layouts, jigs and fixtures, and capital equipment implementation. The site is undergoing an 80,000-square-foot expansion, creating opportunities to influence future layouts, processes, and capabilities. The company offers 5 days of paid PTO and 6 paid holidays, and promotes a collaborative culture where engineers work closely with operations, quality, maintenance, and product development teams to support ongoing growth and process improvement.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reading, PA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $33.65 - $42.26/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)Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Reading, PA.About ActalentActalent 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