Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer supports new manufacturing initiatives by driving manufacturing readiness for new products, processes, and technologies. This role collaborates closely with design, operations, quality, and engineering teams to ensure new products are introduced using efficient, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. The engineer improves manufacturability, supports tooling and fixture development, and assists with assembly line implementation, validation, and ongoing process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Support new manufacturing initiatives through the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

• Collaborate with design engineering teams to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and production methods to enhance efficiency and consistency.

• Assist with assembly line planning, equipment selection and implementation, process validation, and production readiness activities for new and existing products.

• Identify and drive opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost across manufacturing operations.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing and assembly-related issues, determine root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain, to ensure successful execution of new programs and product launches.

• Support pilot builds and production ramp-ups, ensuring manufacturing validation activities are completed and documented.

• Analyze production and process data to identify trends, root causes of issues, and opportunities for improvement.

• Develop, maintain, and update manufacturing documentation, standards, and procedures to ensure consistent and compliant production.

Essential Skills

• Experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on process development and optimization.

• Proficiency in applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles in collaboration with design engineering teams.

• Ability to develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, work instructions, and production methods.

• Skill in supporting assembly line planning, equipment implementation, and process validation for production readiness.

• Capability to identify and execute improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost within manufacturing operations.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for manufacturing and assembly-related issues, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams such as engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain.

• Ability to analyze production and process data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

• Competence in developing and maintaining manufacturing documentation, standards, and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or qualification in automation and automated manufacturing systems.

• Familiarity with manufacturing validation activities, pilot builds, and production ramp-ups.

• Experience with tooling and fixture design to support efficient and repeatable manufacturing processes.

• Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies within a manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

The role operates in a production and engineering environment focused on introducing and scaling new products and manufacturing technologies. The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with cross-functional teams on the manufacturing floor and in engineering spaces, supporting assembly line planning, equipment implementation, and process validation activities. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and collaboration across design, operations, quality, and supply chain functions.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $33.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Champaign,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.