Process Engineer

Job Title: Process Engineer (Manufacturing Environment)Job Description

The Process Engineer designs, analyzes, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality in a hands-on shop floor environment. This role focuses on driving continuous improvement, implementing Lean manufacturing principles, and establishing standardized processes across production areas. The Process Engineer also plays a key role in building and sustaining a Lean-driven culture while supporting new product launches and site growth.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize workstations and workbenches to improve ergonomics, efficiency, and safety on the shop floor.

• Conduct detailed time studies and analyze work content to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.

• Perform waste analysis and apply Lean tools to eliminate non-value-added activities and reduce variation.

• Develop and execute line balancing strategies to improve throughput and flow across production lines.

• Conduct capacity analysis to support current production needs and future growth or scaling initiatives.

• Lead and support continuous improvement projects to enhance process performance and operational effectiveness.

• Develop, implement, and maintain standard work and detailed work instructions for manufacturing processes.

• Create, update, and improve process documentation to ensure consistency and clarity across the shop floor.

• Support implementation and sustainment of 5S initiatives across production areas to maintain organized, efficient workspaces.

• Train and coach teams on Lean principles, standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Help establish and reinforce a culture of accountability, process discipline, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and other stakeholders to drive process improvements.

• Contribute to building structure, processes, and systems from the ground up where needed, particularly in evolving or growing operations.

• Participate in the design and improvement of tooling and shop floor layouts to support safe and efficient operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (required).

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing process engineering.

• Strong hands-on experience working directly on the shop floor and improving real-world processes.

• Proven experience implementing Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, standard work, waste reduction, and other Lean tools.

• Experience creating and improving standard work, work instructions, and process documentation.

• Experience conducting time studies and using the results to drive process improvements.

• Experience with line balancing to optimize throughput and resource utilization.

• Experience with workstation and workbench design focused on ergonomics, safety, and efficiency.

• Strong understanding of engineering processes and process-driven manufacturing environments.

• Ability to lead or support continuous improvement initiatives and projects.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a data-driven approach.

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to work closely with shop floor personnel and cross-functional teams.

• Comfortable working fully onsite on a 1st shift schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience building or transforming a Lean culture from the ground up.

• Background in leading cross-functional improvement projects.

• Experience training or coaching teams on Lean principles and continuous improvement methods.

• Exposure to capacity planning and production scaling activities.

• Experience creating or improving tooling and shop floor layouts to support Lean flow.

• Experience with process engineering, continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, engineering, and project management.

• Industry Background in discrete manufacturing is helpful, though the role is open to candidates from a variety of manufacturing industries.

• Comfort working in an environment that combines a small, family-owned feel with the backing of a larger national organization.

• Ability to operate effectively in a growing site environment, including supporting new product launches and building structure where needed.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite, five days per week, with no remote work option, and operates on a 1st shift schedule. The Process Engineer works primarily on the shop floor in a manufacturing environment, closely engaging with production teams and equipment to implement process improvements. The facility combines a small, family-owned atmosphere with the resources and stability of a larger national organization, offering a collaborative and hands-on culture. The site is in a growth phase, launching new products and expanding operations, which provides opportunities to build processes, systems, and Lean culture from the ground up. The environment emphasizes safety, ergonomics, and organization, supported by 5S and other Lean practices, and expects professional, practical attire suitable for a manufacturing setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Melrose Park, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $52.88/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 Melrose Park,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 jobs.institutedata.com 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.