Manufacturing Engineering Planning

Manufacturing Engineer III
This Manufacturing Engineer III role focuses on applying engineering theory and principles to improve industrial layouts and manufacturing production processes. The engineer analyzes and optimizes time, motion, methods, and workflow on the shop floor and in the lab, while ensuring products and operations meet established quality and reliability standards. The position requires strong skills in engineering drawing, blueprint interpretation, and manufacturing process validation, with significant hands‑on involvement in machine shop and prototype environments.

Study time, motion, methods, and speed involved in maintenance, production, and other operations to establish standard production rates and improve overall efficiency.

Interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, and formulas, and collaborate with engineering staff and leadership to define and maintain quality and reliability standards.

Review worker logs, product processing sheets, and specification sheets to verify adherence to quality assurance specifications and identify opportunities for improvement.

Assist in planning work assignments based on worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, and anticipated delays to optimize resource utilization.

Prepare charts, graphs, and diagrams that illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, material handling, and machine utilization to support process optimization and decision-making.

Observe workers using equipment to confirm that equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with quality assurance standards and safety practices.

Monitor workers operating equipment or performing tasks to determine time requirements and fatigue rates using appropriate timing devices and analytical methods.

Evaluate data from production and validation activities and write clear, structured reports to validate performance against existing standards or highlight deviations.

Lead and support manufacturing process improvement and validation initiatives, including troubleshooting issues on the shop floor and in the lab.

Participate in prototype design and prototype validation activities, ensuring that new or modified processes are robust, efficient, and compliant with quality expectations.

Conduct manufacturing process analysis to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and risks, and recommend practical, data-driven solutions.

Utilize Computer Aided Design (CAD) and other engineering-related software tools to develop sketches, engineering drawings, and documentation supporting process changes and improvements.

Apply critical thinking and innovative ideas to resolve complex manufacturing challenges and enhance overall production performance.

5+ years of experience in manufacturing process improvement and validation.

Machine shop floor experience with direct involvement in production operations and troubleshooting.

Strong ability to make sketches, engineering drawings, and common engineering computations.

Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.

Experience with computer applications and software related to the engineering field, including Computer Aided Design (CAD).

Proven analytical and problem-solving ability applied to manufacturing environments.

Capability to conduct manufacturing process analysis and troubleshoot operational issues.

Ability to interpret and work with PCN (process change notification) documentation and testing reports.

Bachelors degree in engineering is required in one part of the description and is desired but not strictly required in another; candidates with equivalent practical experience in manufacturing engineering are encouraged to apply.

57 years of overall manufacturing engineering experience is preferred.

Experience in validation and manufacturing engineering, including process improvement initiatives.

Background in manufacturing process analysis, troubleshooting, and prototype validation.

Ability to display attributes of a critical thinker and leverage innovative ideas to improve manufacturing processes.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when preparing documentation, reports, and visual process aids such as charts and diagrams.

This role operates in a mixed office and hands‑on environment. Approximately 30% of the time is spent in an office setting working on PCNs, testing reports, prototype design, and manufacturing process analysis using computers and engineering software such as CAD. The remaining 70% of the time is spent on the shop floor and in the lab, focusing on operational manufacturing process troubleshooting, machine shop activities, and prototype validation. The position involves close interaction with production equipment, tools, and test setups, requiring comfort in an active, industrial setting. The work environment emphasizes safety, quality, and collaboration, with a culture that values critical thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This is a Contract position based out of Bloomington, 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

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)

Employee Assistance Program

Application Deadline
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 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 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.

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