Manufacturing Engineer III

Overview Placement Type: Temporary Salary: $32-34.13 Hourly Start Date: Oct 5, 2026 Duration: 1 year (possible extension) Aquent is proud to partner with a leading global enterprise, renowned for its innovation in consumer products. This is an exceptional opportunity to join an industry leader and make a significant impact, directly shaping the future of their acclaimed product development process. Are you ready to be at the forefront of product innovation, driving efficiency and excellence from concept to launch? We're seeking a dynamic and highly skilled engineer to play a pivotal role in optimizing manufacturing processes for cutting-edge consumer products. In this role, you will be instrumental in bringing groundbreaking designs to life, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and superior quality. You'll operate with autonomy, applying your expertise to solve complex challenges and directly influence the success of new product introductions, making a tangible difference in how innovative products reach consumers worldwide. Key Responsibilities Fulfill all Operations Plant Level deliverables for the consumer product development process, including fulfillment strategies, Plan for Every Part (PFEP), operations certification, cost reduction implementations, capacity evaluations, supply chain integrity, and process development. Drive Manufacturing input into new product development projects to improve design effectiveness and reliability through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), design reviews, Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), and regular feedback. Act as Project Manager for all plant operations functions such as quality, engineering, production, and materials, related to new product launches and development projects, including DfX initiatives. Build product cost models, with plant operations support, to actively manage product costs through development and meet launch targets. Provide technical support for Make versus Buy analysis, utilizing cash cost modeling and consideration of Global Capacity and Asset Optimization. Collaborate with Operations leadership and teams to develop plant project execution timelines and plans, feeding back into overall project schedules. Accountable, in coordination with Operations personnel, for achieving scheduled 'Inventory in Stock' dates and supporting project managers to ensure complete and accurate communication of project facts. Drive Time to Market Improvements and ensure Quality and Performance Levels are met for New Product Launches, including launching without deviations and matching process capability to specifications. Act as a Change Agent for process improvement, regularly providing feedback and innovative solutions for enhancements to the New Product Development process and manufacturing processes. Actively participate in the improvement of project management practices within new product development. Apply engineering fundamentals to problem solving, make appropriate decisions, and justify risk under critical review, developing conclusions and recommending actions. Operate effectively without the need for technical supervision. Liaise closely with all levels of production, manufacturing engineering, plant quality, supply chain, safety, new product development teams, purchasing, and marketing, providing clear information and maintaining a robust professional network to support production strategies. Present project status and escalations to multiple levels of operations leadership, including Managers, Directors, and VPs. Must-Have Qualifications B.S. degree from an engineering discipline from an ABET accredited engineering or engineering technology program. Minimum of 8 years' experience in an industrial, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, project management, or new product development engineering role. Knowledge and experience of multiple manufacturing processes, including but not limited to, assembly, casting, forging, injection molding, stamping, and/or finishing. Ability to independently manage multiple complex projects that are in various stages of development. Proven experience communicating information at all levels across various functions, both written and verbally, concisely and accurately. A tenacious, enthusiastic, results-driven individual with excellent time management skills. A confident user of Microsoft Office software and SAP. Structured and organized, with an ability to work autonomously, within a team, and lead a small team when required. Trained in using DFMA techniques and software. Skilled in conflict resolution. Nice-to-Have Qualifications Experience in ProE/CREO.