Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

This role leads the planning, direction, coordination, and implementation of manufacturing processes to support optimal, cost-effective production in accordance with product specifications, quality standards, and lean manufacturing principles. The Manufacturing Engineer drives continuous improvement across manufacturing operations by developing efficient methods, enhancing product quality, and reducing costs, while providing technical leadership and cross-functional support throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and implement manufacturing processes to support optimal, cost-effective production that meets product specifications and quality standards.

• Support and resolve technical manufacturing issues, including those involving cross-functional business processes, to ensure smooth and reliable operations.

• Implement quality control requirements in coordination with the Quality Department to maintain and improve product and process quality.

• Document and submit product and process improvements as appropriate, ensuring changes are clearly recorded and communicated.

• Improve product quality and reduce manufacturing costs by maximizing efficiencies and developing optimal procedures using 6S and lean manufacturing practices.

• Evaluate new products prior to market introduction to ensure they can be manufactured cost-effectively and efficiently.

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for all manufacturing processes in accordance with established formats.

• Strategically reduce manufacturing costs while avoiding unintended cost increases in other areas of the company.

• Develop and maintain effective procedures to ensure all product routings are complete, accurate, and aligned with lean initiatives, including the use of time studies where appropriate.

• Reduce existing manufacturing lead times through process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Reduce manufacturing lot sizes to support lower overall inventory levels and increased flexibility.

• Reduce material movement within manufacturing processes to improve flow and minimize waste.

• Interface and maintain communication with other plants to ensure best manufacturing practices are shared and utilized, and provide technical support as needed.

• Develop databases, application software, and other information systems to measure key manufacturing process performance, define improvement strategies, and sustain gains.

• Direct outside vendors in the design and manufacturing of fixtures for both machining and assembly operations.

• Troubleshoot equipment and process problems when required to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.

• Schedule and facilitate meetings to address manufacturing issues and drive resolution.

• Mentor and develop colleagues through coaching, sharing best practices, and supporting their professional growth.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support manufacturing and continuous improvement goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering is required; a BSME (Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering) or BSIE (Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering) is preferred.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible manufacturing leadership or manufacturing engineering experience, or equivalent education and experience, including a strong track record of manufacturing operational improvements.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment is required; experience in the fluid power industry or a closely related industry is preferred.

• Strong experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process engineering.

• Experience with manufacturing process improvement, including the application of 6S and lean practices.

• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software is preferred.

• ERP system experience is preferred; SAP experience is highly preferred.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and experience with Microsoft Access.

• Exceptional analytical and structured problem-solving skills.

• Strong self-management and prioritization skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop others through coaching.

• Strong organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to lead through influence and represent the manufacturing engineering function effectively at all levels.

• Ability to schedule and facilitate meetings to address issues and drive cross-functional alignment.

• Self-starter mindset with a strong sense of ownership and urgency, able to identify what needs to be done and act without waiting for instruction.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the fluid power industry or related sectors is preferred and considered a strong asset.

• Experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD tools is preferred for designing fixtures and supporting process design.

• SAP experience is a significant plus and previous ERP system exposure is preferred.

• Experience developing databases, applications, or information systems to measure and analyze manufacturing performance.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and accurate product routings.

• Demonstrated success in reducing lead times, lot sizes, and material movement through lean initiatives.

• Ability to direct and collaborate with outside vendors for the design and manufacture of fixtures and tooling.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across departments and locations.

• Ability to represent manufacturing engineering with credibility in discussions with leadership, peers, and external partners.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site in an office and manufacturing environment five days per week. The facility is very clean, well-organized, and operates with a strong focus on lean principles and continuous improvement. Team members work closely with cross-functional departments, including quality, operations, and other plant locations, and use modern tools such as ERP systems (including SAP), SolidWorks/CAD, and advanced Microsoft Office applications to manage and improve manufacturing processes. The workplace offers a fully stocked break room with drinks, food, and snacks, supporting a comfortable and welcoming environment for employees

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Leetsdale, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $102000.00 - $102000.00/yr.

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.

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 Leetsdale,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.

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.