Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer will support and coordinate the retrofit of an existing production line and the installation of a new production line, driving process and continuous improvement across all stages of manufacturing. This role focuses on optimizing production flow, enhancing efficiency through lean methodologies, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, cost-effective operations.
Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate the retrofitting of an existing production line to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Lead and coordinate the installation and launch of a new production line, ensuring alignment with production, quality, and safety requirements.
• Apply process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies, including lean manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma, to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Analyze and improve manufacturing processes to enhance throughput, reduce waste, and increase overall equipment effectiveness.
• Utilize materials engineering and logistics engineering principles to ensure efficient flow of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods through the production lines.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing operators, quality teams, and leadership to understand production needs and translate them into effective engineering solutions.
• Identify opportunities for machining and process enhancements that support product quality, consistency, and manufacturability.
• Manage and support projects related to line retrofits, new line installations, and process improvements, including planning, coordination, and implementation.
• Monitor line performance and use data-driven approaches to troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions.
• Document process changes, standards, and best practices to support long-term operational excellence.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on production lines and process optimization.
• Hands-on experience with process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Practical knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their application in a production environment.
• Experience applying 5S or Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce variation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining and related operations.
• Ability to apply materials engineering concepts to support efficient use and flow of materials.
• Experience with logistics engineering or material flow optimization in a manufacturing setting.
• Project management skills to coordinate retrofits, new line installations, and process improvement projects.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operators, quality teams, and leadership to drive improvements.
• Preferred: Engineering-based associate's or bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience, or 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering for non-degreed candidates.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with world-class or highly automated production equipment.
• Experience in structured continuous improvement programs such as lean or Six Sigma.
• Ability to interpret production data and performance metrics to guide decision-making.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, hands-on approach to resolving manufacturing issues.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate activities across multiple departments.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic production environment.

Work Environment
This role is predominantly based on and around production lines, with more than 60% of the time spent on the manufacturing floor and the remainder in an office setting for planning, analysis, and documentation. The position involves working closely with a strong, collaborative team and interacting regularly with production, quality, and leadership groups. The facility uses world-class equipment and modern manufacturing technologies, providing opportunities to learn and grow in a high-performance environment. The role offers the potential to move into a direct position, along with paid time off and benefits, contributing to a supportive and engaging workplace.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Columbia, SC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.
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 Columbia,SC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.


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.