Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

We are looking to hire a contract Manufacturing Engineer to support a client through a process optimization period. This is estimated at 9 months of work but the scope could shift and extend. Actalent would look to redeploy to other clients/projects if the consultant is seeking longer term options.

The Manufacturing Engineer provides dedicated manufacturing engineering support to high-volume automotive production and assembly lines. This role focuses on maintaining target Units Per Hour (UPH), optimizing line capacity, and mitigating operational risks by resolving recurring production downtime using structured PDCA problem-solving methodologies. The engineer will modify tooling and fixtures using Siemens NX, ensure strict adherence to IATF quality standards, manage PPAP flows for process and component changes, and maintain accurate process documentation and ERP data to support stable, efficient, and compliant production operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor active automotive assembly and manufacturing lines on a daily basis to identify yield drops, bottleneck shifts, cycle-time deviations, and other indicators of performance drift.
• Provide direct production line support to maintain target throughput, optimize line capacity, and mitigate operational risks across high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Lead PDCA-based root-cause investigations for recurring automotive production downtime events, documenting findings in A3 reports and other structured problem-solving formats.
• Deploy immediate containment actions to stabilize production, identify systemic root causes, implement permanent corrective actions, and standardize solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Use Siemens NX 3D CAD to modify, update, or redesign production fixtures, jigs, and robotic end-of-arm tooling to address recurring failures and improve reliability.
• Apply rigorous Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards to ensure proper stack-up analysis, component fitment, and robust tooling designs.
• Ensure all process modifications, workstation layouts, and engineering updates comply strictly with IATF Quality Management System standards and applicable automotive requirements.
• Update core quality and process documents, including Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and Control Plans whenever line modifications occur.
• Drive the preparation, submission, and approval of PPAP packages, up to Level 3, for modified production processes or components, coordinating sample runs and dimensional result compilation.
• Secure customer engineering sign-off for PPAP submissions by providing complete documentation, data, and evidence of process capability and product conformity.
• Utilize Oracle ERP to track production routings, manage Bill of Materials (BOM) changes, verify spare parts inventory, and log equipment downtime metrics for analysis and reporting.
• Draft, submit, and route Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) within Siemens Teamcenter for process, tooling, geometric tolerance, and document updates resulting from PDCA actions.
• Execute formal engineering and process changes in alignment with internal change management procedures and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with operations, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement corrective actions, process improvements, and tooling changes on the production floor.
• Troubleshoot machines and production equipment in a hands-on manner to quickly resolve current downtime issues and restore stable operation.
• Support automated assembly and robotic systems, including end-of-arm tooling, to improve reliability, throughput, and repeatability in high-volume production environments.
• Maintain and continuously improve manufacturing processes, tooling strategies, and line configurations to support sustained high-volume output and consistent product quality.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 37+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in a high-volume production environment.
• Proven experience supporting high-volume manufacturing and assembly lines in an operational, hands-on capacity.
• Demonstrated track record of directly supporting active production and assembly lines rather than primarily working in product design or R&D.
• Strong hands-on production troubleshooting skills and root-cause failure analysis capabilities.
• Experience applying PDCA, A3, or equivalent structured problem-solving methodologies to resolve recurring production issues.
• Experience with tooling, fixtures, jigs, and production equipment modifications to improve process performance and reliability.
• Competency with 3D mechanical CAD tools for designing and modifying production tooling and fixtures.
• Strong Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) skills aligned with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience maintaining PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams for manufacturing processes.
• Practical PPAP experience supporting process or component changes in an automotive or similar environment.
• Experience executing formal engineering and process changes through established change management procedures.
• Ability to work hands-on on the production floor and coordinate effectively with operations, quality, maintenance, and engineering stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in automotive manufacturing environments, including assembly and component production.
• Familiarity with IATF Quality Management System standards and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Siemens NX for 3D CAD modeling and tooling/fixture design.
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter for managing Engineering Change Orders and product data.
• Working knowledge of Oracle ERP for managing routings, BOMs, inventory, and equipment downtime metrics.
• Ownership of Level 3 PPAP packages, including preparation, submission, and approval activities.
• Experience with robotic end-of-arm tooling design, modification, and troubleshooting.
• Background in automated assembly systems and high-volume production line optimization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process engineering, and process change management.
• Experience in compliance workflow management and maintaining quality documentation across manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite supporting active automotive production and assembly lines in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The engineer will spend substantial time on the production floor working directly with equipment, tooling, and line personnel. The environment includes automated assembly systems, robotic end-of-arm tooling, and complex manufacturing processes supported by Siemens NX, Siemens Teamcenter, Oracle ERP, and formal IATF-compliant quality systems. The engineer collaborates closely with operations, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams in a fast-paced setting focused on throughput, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Gladstone, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $48.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Gladstone, OR.

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