Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer designs and develops manufacturing processes and systems that consistently exceed quality, cost, and schedule requirements to support business growth. This role focuses on defining and implementing concepts and processes for new products and product enhancements, and integrating specialized processes and techniques into a lean manufacturing environment. The engineer works closely with advanced manufacturing teams to ensure smooth introduction of new equipment and processes into production.
Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement innovative, cost-effective, and safe manufacturing processes and techniques that improve the effectiveness of manufacturing operations and business systems.
• Develop manufacturing plans, including initial tooling requirements and costs, capability requirements, control plans, and assessments that support clear specification of manufacturing processes.
• Design and implement manufacturing flows, workstation layouts, and station controls that optimize value-added operations, operating costs, and product and process quality.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members to enhance design for manufacturability and ensure seamless integration of new products and processes into the manufacturing facility.
• Provide regular updates and clear communication to stakeholders on project status, risks, and progress of manufacturing-related activities.
• Work alongside advanced manufacturing engineers to lead equipment run-off activities at supplier sites, ensuring equipment meets performance and quality requirements.
• Coordinate the return of equipment from suppliers and oversee its installation within the facility, ensuring proper setup and readiness for production.
• Set up production areas to support new or modified manufacturing processes, including layout optimization and resource planning.
• Create and document material flows that support efficient movement of components and products through the manufacturing process.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions to ensure consistent execution of manufacturing tasks and adherence to quality and safety standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 0-4 years of relevant manufacturing work experience.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering or process engineering.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their application in a production environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications for documentation, communication, and data analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD software for reviewing and supporting design and layout activities.
• Ability to perform data analysis to evaluate process performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player in a collaborative environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting new product introduction or product enhancement programs in a manufacturing setting.
• Background in developing manufacturing planning, tooling specifications, and control plans.
• Experience creating workstation layouts and station controls to optimize productivity and quality.
• Familiarity with equipment run-off, installation, and integration into production lines.
• Ability to create clear and detailed standard work instructions and process documentation.
• Demonstrated capability to support continuous improvement initiatives within lean manufacturing environments.

Work Environment
This is an on-site role on a first shift schedule within a lean manufacturing environment. The position involves regular interaction with advanced manufacturing engineers, production personnel, and cross-functional teams in a facility that focuses on continuous improvement, safety, and quality. Work includes time on the shop floor overseeing equipment run-off, installation, and setup, as well as time in an office setting for planning, documentation, and data analysis. The environment emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and adherence to standardized work practices. Employees receive benefits such as six paid holidays and sick leave, supporting a balanced and sustainable work experience.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/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 Grand Rapids,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.



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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.