Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer will perform a wide range of electro-mechanical and multi-trade functions focused on the installation, maintenance, and repair of production equipment, machinery, and facility systems in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. This role involves hands-on troubleshooting and repair of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems, as well as basic design, simple fabrication, adjustment, rebuilding, and occasional welding. The engineer will support continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and processes, maintain accurate documentation, and collaborate closely with production and maintenance teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and maintain manufacturing equipment, machinery, and facility systems to support efficient production operations.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic issues on production equipment, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Perform basic design, simple fabrication, adjustment, rebuilding, and occasional welding to modify or improve equipment and components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering sketches, and designs, recognizing and understanding details, variations, and functional requirements.
• Inspect manufacturing equipment regularly based on communication with operators and production supervisors, and adjust equipment to maintain optimal performance.
• Maintain accurate written records for ordering replacement parts, tracking part quantities, and supporting preventive maintenance schedules.
• Provide manufacturers documentation, drawings, and spare parts information to maintenance teams to ensure proper ordering and preventive maintenance planning.
• Work with rigging and scaffolding, using ropes, chains, cables, hoists, jacks, and lift trucks to safely move and position heavy equipment.
• Operate powered hand tools and, when required, stationary machine tools to perform repairs, modifications, and fabrication tasks.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and tolerances, and ensure components fit and function correctly within assemblies.
• Make recommendations for suitable substitute components when original parts are unavailable or when improvements are possible.
• Apply knowledge of PLC ladder logic and machine control functions to support troubleshooting and equipment operation.
• Ensure proper application and functionality of light curtains and other safety devices to maintain a safe work environment around automated equipment.
• Repair and replace test cables and related electrical components to maintain reliable testing and monitoring systems.
• Communicate effectively with operators, production supervisors, and maintenance personnel regarding scope of work, completion schedules, problems, solutions, and materials or parts required.
• Support continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives related to manufacturing equipment and automation.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned to support production, maintenance, and engineering objectives.

Essential Skills

• 13 years of experience as a production engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, or in a similar manufacturing engineering role.
• Associate or Bachelors degree in Electro-Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field; entry-level candidates considered with at least 12 co-ops in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong electrical and/or mechanical troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex equipment issues.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of electrical power, including proper wire sizing for current, amps, volts, AC, and DC applications.
• Basic knowledge of hydraulic power systems, including cylinders, valves, and oil characteristics, and how force is applied in hydraulic circuits.
• Basic knowledge of air power (pneumatics), including cylinders, valves, mufflers, and other air system components.
• Fundamental understanding of PLCs and ladder logic control as it relates to machine operation and industrial automation.
• Knowledge of light curtains and other safety devices used to maintain a safe work environment around manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to repair and replace test cables and related electrical components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering sketches, and designs, and to use analytical skills to recognize details and variations.
• Ability to keep accurate written records for replacement part ordering, part quantities, and equipment-related documentation.
• Experience regularly inspecting and adjusting manufacturing equipment based on feedback from operators and production supervisors.
• Ability to work safely with rigging and scaffolding, including the use of ropes, chains, cables, hoists, jacks, and lift trucks to move heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in operating powered hand tools; ability to operate stationary machine tools is a plus.
• Ability to perform welding projects on an occasional basis as part of equipment repair or modification.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring instruments and understanding how components fit and work together in mechanical assemblies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly discuss scope of work, schedules, issues, solutions, and material requirements.
• Demonstrated focus on manufacturing engineering, equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and process improvement.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming, including ladder logic development and modification, is highly desirable.
• Experience with pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, and industrial controls beyond basic knowledge is a strong plus.
• Exp. in high-volume manufacturing environments, particularly automotive manufacturing, is beneficial.
• Experience with industrial control systems and automation technologies used in manufacturing equipment.
• Electro-mechanical aptitude with the ability to work across electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic disciplines.
• Exposure to project engineering or manufacturing engineering projects, including equipment upgrades and automation initiatives.
• Interest in and willingness to learn more about automation systems and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.

Work Environment

This role operates in an automotive manufacturing environment with high-volume production and a strong focus on equipment reliability and automation. The engineer works on and around manufacturing equipment, automated systems, and industrial controls, using tools such as powered hand tools, stationary machine tools, precision measuring instruments, rigging equipment, and lift trucks. The environment emphasizes safety, particularly around electrical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, PLC-controlled machinery, light curtains, and other safety devices. Employees collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams and have access to training and development opportunities, especially in automation and advanced manufacturing technologies. The organization offers strong benefits and provides good opportunities for career growth and advancement, with a culture that supports learning and continuous improvement.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of REYNOLDSBURG, OH.

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $36.06/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 REYNOLDSBURG, OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in REYNOLDSBURG,OH.

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.