Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

This Manufacturing Engineer role supports a growing precision manufacturing operation focused on CNC machining and value-added processing. You will play a critical role in improving manufacturing processes, increasing equipment utilization, reducing downtime, and supporting the continued expansion of the operation. This is a high-impact engineering position with broad visibility across the facility and significant opportunities to influence process improvement and operational growth.

Responsibilities

• Support daily manufacturing operations and provide engineering expertise to production teams.

• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.

• Analyze equipment performance and identify opportunities to increase uptime and reduce downtime.

• Create and maintain work instructions, process documentation, setup procedures, and inspection plans.

• Provide technical support for CNC machining, including programming, machine setup, and troubleshooting activities.

• Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on workflow optimization, waste reduction, and operational excellence.

• Assist with equipment evaluations, capital projects, process changes, and facility expansion initiatives.

• Monitor production metrics and make data-driven recommendations for process and performance improvements.

• Support preventative maintenance efforts and initiatives to improve equipment performance.

• Work directly with machine operators and production personnel to identify, develop, and implement process enhancements.

• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for recurring production issues.

• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, quality standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines in all manufacturing activities.

Essential Skills

• Manufacturing engineering experience or process engineering experience in a production environment.

• Experience supporting CNC machining operations in a precision manufacturing setting.

• Knowledge of CNC programming and machine setup processes.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

• Proficiency with CAD software, preferably AutoCAD.

• Experience developing inspection plans, manufacturing documentation, and process controls.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in a production environment.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a similar technical discipline.

• Experience with waterjet cutting equipment or similar precision cutting technologies.

• G-Code programming experience for CNC machinery.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Knowledge of government-related manufacturing requirements and documentation.

• Experience supporting custom manufacturing or job-shop environments.

• Project management experience involving equipment, process improvements, or facility expansion projects.

• Interest in contributing to long-term operational growth within a collaborative engineering-focused culture.

Work Environment

This role is based in a hands-on, precision manufacturing facility with a small, collaborative engineering team. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will work closely with machine operators, production personnel, maintenance, quality, and leadership across all levels of the facility, with frequent interaction on the shop floor. The environment emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and engineering-driven problem solving, offering exposure to a diverse range of manufacturing projects and customer industries as the organization continues to expand.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Bend, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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 South Bend,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.