Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Engineer
US Citizen or Permanent Resident due to ITAR Compliance
Flexible on Pay for The Right Candidate
Job Description
The Senior Manufacturing Engineer supports a fast-paced production environment by troubleshooting line stoppages, driving process improvements, and implementing robust control plans to enhance reliability and quality. This role partners closely with production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality teams to design and validate tooling, optimize manufacturing processes, and introduce new equipment that reduces downtime and defects while controlling costs. The engineer plays a key role in continuous improvement initiatives, applying structured problem-solving and Lean manufacturing principles to sustain output levels and meet demanding performance requirements.
Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and address production line stoppages to quickly restore operations and minimize downtime.
• Analyze root causes of production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability and reduce repeat problems.
• Partner with production leadership and operators to sustain output levels while meeting or exceeding quality requirements.
• Maintain and update process documentation, including standard work instructions and troubleshooting procedures, to ensure consistent and repeatable operations.
• Develop and manage process controls to support and drive effective control plans across manufacturing lines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts using structured methodologies and Lean manufacturing tools to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Apply problem-solving tools such as 5-Why and 8D to investigate and resolve complex production challenges.
• Work closely with maintenance and controls teams to address equipment-related issues and improve equipment performance and uptime.
• Identify and engage vendors, assisting in the development of specifications for tooling, equipment, and materials that support production needs.
• Design and implement fixtures and tooling that minimize defects, improve manufacturability, and control production costs.
• Document tooling designs and equipment concepts in coordination with R&D and quality teams to ensure alignment with product and process requirements.
• Source, install, and validate new equipment and process tools to support production improvements and automation initiatives.
• Support the Finishing Value Stream, including CNC machining, adhesion, application of Velcro, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging.
• Spend approximately 60% of time on the production floor and 40% at the desk, ensuring strong presence and engagement with operations.
• Support ERP/MES integration for routings, bills of materials (BOMs), and process improvements related to manufacturing processes, tooling, machining, and fabrication.
• Lead or actively participate in root cause analysis activities and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Edit PLC recipes and understand how to create or modify recipe parameters to support process changes and improvements.
• Support efforts to implement increased automation within the facility, taking on projects that expand manufacturing capability and efficiency.
• Operate effectively in an environment where processes are not fully defined, helping to create structure, clarify standards, and reduce ambiguity over time.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering.
• At least 3 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Manufacturing engineering experience with a focus on troubleshooting production processes and industrial equipment.
• Process engineering experience, including development and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• SolidWorks design experience for creating and modifying tooling, fixtures, and equipment concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production processes and industrial equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles and knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, material properties, electro-mechanical systems, and heat transfer.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles such as SMED, line balancing, and single-piece flow.
• Experience using root cause analysis tools, including 5-Why and 8D, to solve production problems.
• Ability to edit PLC recipes and understand how to create or modify recipe parameters.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply structured methodologies to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively on the production floor and collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, maintenance, controls, R&D, and quality.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and build effective working relationships.
• Self-starter mindset with a strong work ethic and curiosity about industrial processes and concepts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to lead root cause analysis activities and implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Experience programming PLCs in addition to editing PLC recipes.
• Advanced knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience with composites and adhesive processes in a manufacturing environment.
• ERP/MES integration experience for routings, bills of materials (BOMs), and process improvements.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as tooling, machining, fabrication, and finishing operations.
• Experience working in environments with evolving processes and limited structure, with a willingness to help define and document best practices.
• Experience supporting or implementing automation within a manufacturing facility.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced production environment.

Work Environment
The role is based in a recently remodeled, extremely clean manufacturing facility focused on developing advanced head protection systems that help protect users from serious impact-related injuries. The work directly supports products that have a meaningful impact on people's lives and allow wearers to focus on their mission, whether in combat, rescue, or adventure settings. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, with approximately 60% of time spent on the production floor and 40% at a desk. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer supports the Finishing Value Stream, including CNC machining, adhesion, application of Velcro, paint preparation and painting, assembly, and packaging. Typical hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with required flexibility to occasionally support first shift (5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and second shift (1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) as operational needs arise. The facility includes modern amenities such as a game room area, reflecting a culture that values both high performance and a positive workplace experience. The organization operates in an environment where some processes are still being defined, so the engineer will work within a setting that includes ambiguity and evolving structure while contributing to the development of more automated and robust manufacturing systems.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $41.00 - $46.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland,OH.
Application Deadline
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 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.


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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.