Manufacturing Engineer

This role applies advanced engineering theory and principles to optimize industrial layouts and manufacturing production. The Manufacturing Engineer V develops and improves processes, creates and interprets engineering drawings and blueprints, and drives efficiency, quality, and productivity across maintenance, production, and related operations. The position combines hands-on process engineering, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance manufacturing performance and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Study time, motion, methods, and speed involved in maintenance, production, and other operations to establish standard production rates and improve efficiency.
• Review worker logs, product processing sheets, and specification sheets to verify that records adhere to quality assurance specifications.
• Review and approve work assignments in alignment with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, and anticipated delays.
• Analyze charts, graphs, and diagrams to illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, material handling, and machine utilization, and use these insights to optimize processes.
• Evaluate production and quality data and reports to validate performance or identify deviations from existing standards.
• Recommend modifications to existing quality or production standards to achieve optimum quality within the limits of equipment capability.
• Recommend revisions to methods of operation, material handling approaches, equipment layouts, or other process changes to increase production output or improve standards.
• Develop and maintain process flow documentation to clearly define manufacturing steps and ensure consistent execution.
• Create, implement, and maintain control plans to ensure stable and capable manufacturing processes.
• Lead and contribute to MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) activities to identify and mitigate risks in processes and measurement systems.
• Support validation activities to confirm that processes and equipment meet performance and quality requirements.
• Participate in and support PCNs (process change notifications) to manage and document changes to manufacturing processes.
• Conduct or support 31-piece studies and similar statistical studies to evaluate process capability and variation.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to other team members, offering constructive performance feedback and technical support.
• Prepare and interpret engineering sketches, drawings, and common computations to support process design and improvement.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports to ensure accurate implementation of engineering requirements.
• Collaborate closely with other manufacturing engineers, test engineers, and technical service team members to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

• Strong creativity combined with clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving ability in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to leverage innovative ideas to improve processes.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, including the ability to provide support and constructive performance feedback.
• Expert ability to make sketches, engineering drawings, and perform common engineering computations.
• Expert ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Previous experience with computer applications and software related to the engineering field, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Hands-on experience with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning).
• Experience creating and maintaining process flow documentation.
• Experience developing and managing control plans for manufacturing processes.
• Experience performing MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) related work.
• Bachelors degree in engineering (required in the core role description; desired in the qualification details).
• Approximately 5+ years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience, with emphasis on candidates who combine formal education with industry experience.

• Experience supporting validation activities for manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Experience working with PCNs (process change notifications) or similar change control processes.
• Experience conducting 31-piece studies or other statistical evaluations of process capability.
• Masters degree in engineering or a related field is acceptable and considered an asset.
• Combination of an engineering degree and practical industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative, multi-engineer environment and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

The role is based in offices located inside a factory setting, providing direct access to production areas and equipment. You will collaborate closely with a team of approximately 13 other manufacturing engineers and test engineers, all reporting through a technical services structure. The environment supports hands-on engagement with manufacturing processes, frequent interaction with cross-functional technical teams, and the use of engineering tools such as CAD and data analysis software. The setting combines office-based analytical work with on-floor process observation and improvement activities, fostering a culture of teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

This is a Contract position based out of Pontiac, IL.

The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $52.00/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)

This is a Contract position based out of Pontiac, IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Pontiac,IL.

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.