Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for maximizing production output, improving manufacturing and assembly processes, supporting new product introductions, and ensuring the effective use of equipment and materials. This position partners closely with Operations, Quality, Production, and Research & Development to maintain high standards of safety, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery. The ideal candidate is a problem-solver who enjoys working on the production floor, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing practical solutions that improve performance and efficiency.

• Develop, evaluate, implement, improve, and document manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and work instructions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Analyze production workflows and recommend process improvements.
• Design and optimize equipment layouts, workflow, and workspace utilization for maximum efficiency and safety.
• Evaluate equipment and manufacturing processes to produce high-quality products at competitive costs.
• Plan and manage product quality activities during transfer from development to production.
• Support design validation, process validation, and production readiness activities.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical manufacturing issues.
• Lead and promote Lean Manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, SMED, Value Stream Mapping, and Continuous Improvement Events.
• Facilitate corrective and preventive action efforts to resolve customer and internal quality concerns.
• Develop assembly instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operators, assemblers, inspectors, and support staff.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience creating and maintaining Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, and engineering change documentation.
• Experience using NetSuite ERP or similar systems.
• Experience designing, building, testing, or debugging mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical products.
• Familiarity with CNC machining and CNC programming.
• Experience conducting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.

Hands-on manufacturing setting with regular time spent on the production floor supporting assembly, troubleshooting equipment, validating processes, and working directly with operators. The environment is older but organized, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nicholasville, KY.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $41.00/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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nicholasville, KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Nicholasville,KY.

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.