Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

This role suits a self-motivated, hands-on Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys working on the shop floor to identify, analyze, and solve practical manufacturing process problems. You will collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to provide technical support and resolve assembly and test issues while ensuring products meet customer and quality requirements, including UL. In this position, you will review, analyze, and optimize existing manufacturing processes using lean manufacturing methods to increase efficiency and support continuous improvement. You will also help plan manpower and equipment needs to ensure production and testing activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules within a collaborative, team-focused culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support to the shop floor to resolve assembly and test issues quickly and effectively.

• Act as a liaison between the shop floor and engineering teams to ensure clear communication and timely resolution of technical problems.

• Review, interpret, and apply engineering drawing packages and sales write-ups to assemble and test products in accordance with customer and quality requirements, including UL standards.

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing and testing processes and equipment, and implement practical solutions that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Lead process improvement projects using lean manufacturing principles, focusing on areas such as assembly, facility layout, and process optimization.

• Maintain existing process measures and assist in the development of new metrics to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.

• Communicate project status, progress, and issues to leadership in a clear and timely manner.

• Identify training needs for the operations team and develop, organize, and conduct training sessions to ensure proper understanding of processes, equipment, and quality requirements.

• Support planning of manpower and equipment requirements to ensure production and testing functions meet production schedules and quality standards.

• Use test and inspection equipment to verify product performance and compliance with specifications.

• Apply knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen to create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor.

• Perform supervisory duties as required, including guiding and supporting team members to achieve production and quality goals.

• Handle additional duties and responsibilities as needed, contributing to a culture where everyone does whatever it takes to get the job done.

Essential Skills

• Supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

• Manufacturing engineering experience with a strong focus on shop floor support.

• Ability to interpret and read electrical and mechanical drawings and apply them to manufacturing and testing activities.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and their practical application in a production environment.

• Hands-on approach and desire to work directly in a shop floor environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Microsoft Project.

• Experience using test and inspection equipment to verify product quality and performance.

• Knowledge and understanding of lean manufacturing principles, including 5S and Kaizen.

• Ability to provide clear technical guidance and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Capability to lift at least 50 lbs as required during certain processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in lean engineering, project management, and manufacturing operations.

• Background in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing.

• Experience with assembly operations and optimizing facility layout.

• Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and a willingness to roll up your sleeves to support the team.

• Commitment to working in a team-oriented environment built on collaboration, excellence, and mutual support.

• Interest in contributing to a long-established organization in the power generation industry that serves diverse markets such as utilities, municipalities, defense solutions, and renewable energy.

• Motivation to grow professionally in an environment that offers tuition reimbursement and rewards experience through its compensation and benefits structure.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing shop environment with a strong emphasis on hands-on work at the production floor level. You will work around assembly operations that involve hazardous materials and processes, including chemicals, paint, and potential burn hazards, and you will use appropriate test and inspection equipment as part of daily activities. Some tasks require heavy lifting, and you must be capable of lifting at least 50 lbs. The organization promotes a positive team and family spirit within a casual and supportive atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and open communication. The culture emphasizes teamwork, excellence, and commitment, with an expectation that employees contribute flexibly to meet production and customer needs. The work setting supports a healthy work/life balance, offering a generous PTO plan that grows with years of service, along with comprehensive benefits such as health and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Dress and conduct are appropriate for a manufacturing shop environment where safety and professionalism are prioritized.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of East Peoria, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/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 East Peoria,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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.