Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing EngineerThe Manufacturing Engineer applies tactical quality engineering principles to production processes to ensure that quality standards are implemented and maintained throughout the entire manufacturing cycle. This role supports the design and implementation of changes that improve productivity and profitability, serving as a technical resource for process technologies and the exploration of new methods. The Manufacturing Engineer provides routine support for the execution of quality acceptance standards, enhances the robustness of quality inherent in process design, and works closely with operations leaders to fully execute production processes that adhere to quality standards while providing seamless support aligned with production working hours.ResponsibilitiesApply quality engineering principles, concepts, practices, standards, and procedures to production processes to ensure consistent adherence to quality requirements across the manufacturing lifecycle.Support the design, installation, and evaluation of quality assurance systems, procedures, and statistical techniques to improve product reliability and process capability.Take a support role in the design or specification of inspection and testing mechanisms and equipment to analyze production and service processes and standards, and provide tactical recommendations for revising specifications when necessary.Evaluate manufacturing processes to optimize labor and material costs, increase productivity, and enhance profitability, while supporting assessments and justifications to identify key areas for improvement.Track project and process improvement expenditures to ensure spending aligns with budgeted amounts and supports the overall business objectives.Identify, reduce, and eliminate worker exposure to ergonomic stresses in the workplace, applying occupational biomechanics and human factors engineering principles to improve safety and comfort.Evaluate processes to identify potential product quality risks that could negatively impact customer experience or increase cost of non-quality, and support the completion of tasks to eliminate or minimize these risks.Provide timely product and process floor support to any manufacturing area, diagnosing issues and implementing solutions to minimize interruptions to production.Provide back-up and coverage for operations leaders to maintain consistent SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) focused support during production working hours.Engage as a team member on significant cross-functional projects aimed at improving products, processes, customer experience, supplier performance, and quality-related outcomes.Collaborate with technical engineering leadership to identify root causes of customer service or supplier quality issues and develop corrective actions, including potential process or quality assurance changes.Engage with senior technical engineers to research, introduce, and integrate new processes, equipment, and technologies into manufacturing operations.Develop technical solutions to a variety of complex problems of strategic scope with minimal support, applying creative approaches to improve practices and procedures.Inform decisions on matters that significantly impact customer experience, using data-driven analysis and quality tools.Support efforts to track and act upon SQDC-related metrics, driving actionable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.Participate in the design, specification, purchase, and installation of new equipment, including engagement in the execution of new equipment processes.Provide technical support on projects within assigned areas or value streams, ensuring alignment with quality and productivity objectives.Use work measurement and time studies to analyze processes and performance, and recommend improvements to efficiency and throughput.Complete financial comparisons for proposed production process changes, including return-on-investment (ROI) analysis, with minimal support.Interface and collaborate with multiple functions across the organization and with senior-level leaders to support improvement initiatives in manufacturing areas.Essential SkillsAbility to effectively apply quality engineering technical principles, concepts, practices, standards, and procedures, with familiarity with the ASQ Quality Engineer Body of Knowledge.Strong analytical skills, including process analysis, capacity analysis, cost/benefit evaluation, waste stream analysis, and use of quality tools.Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques, including flow, product quantity (PQ), equipment reliability, and setup reduction.Ability to develop technical solutions to complex, strategically significant problems with minimal support.Ability to apply creative solutions to improve existing practices and procedures with minimal guidance.Capability to inform decisions that have significant impact on customer experience using data-driven insights.Understanding and application of productivity improvement techniques, including Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) initiatives.Ability to interface and interact effectively with multiple functional areas and next-level leaders in management and technical roles to support manufacturing improvements.Project management skills for leading and participating in cross-functional teams, including basic facilitation skills.Ability to complete financial comparisons for production process changes, including ROI calculations, with minimal support.Understanding of work measurement and time study methods for process and performance improvement.Ability to provide technical support on projects within assigned manufacturing areas or value streams.Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; programming skills are a plus.Basic understanding of the design, specification, purchase, and installation of new equipment and the ability to engage in the execution of new equipment processes.Awareness of material handling solutions that support efficient flow within production areas.Understanding of simulation, process modeling, and value stream mapping.Understanding of occupational biomechanics and human factors engineering principles.Understanding of product testing requirements, product development cycles, and special processes.Ability to interface with other segments of the order fulfillment process with minimal support.Ability to support tracking and action on SQDC-related metrics to drive continuous improvement.Proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement in manufacturing engineering and operations.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in manufacturing engineering, including support of production processes and quality systems.Experience in project management with cross-functional teams, including planning, coordination, and execution of improvement initiatives.Background in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies.Experience with equipment quoting, specification, and installation in a manufacturing environment.Familiarity with quality assurance systems, procedures, and statistical techniques.Knowledge of process validation, inspection, and testing methods for production and service processes.Exposure to ergonomic assessment and workplace design improvements.Understanding of customer service and supplier quality issue resolution, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.Interest in or pursuit of professional certification related to quality engineering (such as ASQ Quality Engineer) is advantageous.Ability to work collaboratively within technical and operations teams and contribute to strategic manufacturing planning.Work EnvironmentThis role operates within a combination of manufacturing and general office environments, with daily support provided to production areas. The Manufacturing Engineer spends time on the shop floor diagnosing issues, implementing solutions, and supporting operations leadership, as well as in an office setting performing analysis, documentation, and project planning. The position aligns with production working hours to ensure seamless support for ongoing operations and SQDC-focused activities. The environment involves interaction with production equipment, material handling systems, and various process technologies, and requires adherence to appropriate safety practices and standard manufacturing attire suitable for both office and factory settings.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Athens, AL.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.67/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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,