Manufacturing Engineering Planning

Manufacturing Engineer

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on developing clear, accurate work instructions and production documentation for assembly and packaging lines while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will analyze production data, identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, scrap, and downtime, and implement practical solutions that improve quality, efficiency, and safety. The position requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams and the ability to take projects from concept through successful completion.

Create detailed, user-friendly work instructions for assembly and packaging lines to ensure consistent, high-quality production.

Develop setup sheets, work instructions, and machining procedures that support efficient and repeatable manufacturing operations.

Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities related to cycle time, scrap, and downtime.

Implement process improvements that reduce cycle time, minimize scrap, and increase equipment uptime.

Review and analyze workflow across assembly and packaging operations and recommend layout or process changes to improve efficiency and throughput.

Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to ensure new or revised processes are properly documented and successfully implemented.

Support fixture design activities to improve part handling, assembly accuracy, and operator ergonomics.

Manage projects from initiation through completion, including planning, documentation, validation, and handoff to production.

Ensure that all work instructions and process documentation remain current, accurate, and aligned with lean manufacturing principles.

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute ideas to enhance manufacturing performance and product quality.

At least 2 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in a production environment.

Proven experience creating clear and comprehensive work instructions for manufacturing, assembly, or packaging operations.

Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing principles and tools, with the ability to apply them to real-world production processes.

Demonstrated ability to analyze production data and use it to drive process improvements that reduce cycle time, scrap, and downtime.

Experience working with assembly processes and packaging operations in a manufacturing setting.

Strong ability to manage projects from beginning to end, including planning, execution, and documentation.

Solid problem-solving skills and a data-driven approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.

Bachelor’s degree (BS) in engineering or a related technical field is strongly preferred.

Experience in fixture design to support manufacturing, assembly, or packaging processes is a plus.

Prior involvement in layout or workflow optimization projects is advantageous.

Experience working within a structured continuous improvement or lean initiative environment is desirable.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.

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.

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)

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

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.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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on us.fitly.work 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.