Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Job Description

This role leads the development, optimization, and support of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. As the first Manufacturing Engineer in a growing organization, you will establish core manufacturing standards, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, compliant, and highly effective production operations.

• Provide data-driven manufacturing decision support by calculating production, labor, and material costs, and by creating and maintaining detailed manufacturing routers.
• Develop and implement new manufacturing processes that improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
• Analyze and plan workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout to improve manufacturing efficiency and optimize production flow.
• Train and mentor operators and technicians on production procedures, ensuring consistent understanding and adherence to standards.
• Ensure all equipment and machinery are properly maintained and calibrated to support reliable and repeatable production.
• Perform and document root cause analysis of process issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurrence.
• Develop and monitor performance metrics, analyze trends, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes and productivity.
• Assist with research and development of new products by supporting prototype builds and transitioning designs into manufacturable processes.
• Support lean initiatives and the implementation of new technologies to streamline operations and eliminate waste.
• Design testing methods to assure product and process quality, and integrate these methods into standard manufacturing procedures.
• Participate in product design reviews to provide feedback on manufacturability, fabrication methods, and vendor best practices.
• Maintain product and company reputation by ensuring compliance with applicable government regulations and industry standards.
• Develop and implement cost-saving measures and quality control systems that improve profitability and consistency.
• Ensure manufacturing processes, equipment, and products comply with safety standards and legal regulations.
• Collaborate closely with program managers, manufacturing leads, customers, and functional leads to align manufacturing capabilities with project and business objectives.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a Manufacturing Engineer.
• Manufacturing engineering experience with a strong focus on process engineering and process improvement.
• In-depth understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their practical application on the shop floor.
• Hands-on experience building small prototypes and supporting early product development activities.
• Proficiency with analytical tools, workflow time studies, and process balancing to optimize production.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Access, Excel, and PowerPoint for data analysis, reporting, and presentations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with program managers, manufacturing leads, customers, and functional leads.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a structured approach to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ability to lead initiatives and work independently while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to document processes, present findings, and train team members.
• Relevant technological knowledge related to modern manufacturing processes, tools, and methods.

• Demonstrated experience driving continuous improvement and lean initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting research and development activities and transitioning new products into production.
• Proven ability to take initiative and proactively identify opportunities for cost savings and quality enhancements.
• Comfort working as the first or primary Manufacturing Engineer, establishing processes, standards, and best practices in a growing organization.

The role operates in a collaborative, cross-functional environment where you work closely with multiple departments, including program management, manufacturing leadership, functional teams, and customers. You will engage frequently with production operators and technicians on the shop floor while also working with office-based stakeholders to analyze data, develop processes, and present recommendations. The position involves a mix of hands-on work with prototypes and equipment, analytical work using tools such as Microsoft Access, Excel, and PowerPoint, and participation in design reviews and improvement initiatives. The culture emphasizes growth, continuous improvement, and the opportunity to shape core manufacturing practices as the organization expands.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Burnsville, MN.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 hybrid position in Burnsville,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.