Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

The Manufacturing Engineer plans, directs, and coordinates manufacturing process design and continuous improvement activities. This role supports the engineering function by analyzing product designs for manufacturability and assembly, developing efficient production methods, and ensuring high levels of quality and productivity. The Manufacturing Engineer also performs cost estimating, prepares bills of materials, and plans and justifies capital equipment to support current and future production needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and continuously improve manufacturing methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Plan manufacturing and assembly processes by analyzing product designs to determine the most effective manufacturing methods.
• Document manufacturing processes and create, maintain, and update detailed manufacturing work instructions.
• Create and modify product CAD documentation, including parts, assemblies, and drawings, using SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms.
• Collaborate with planning and design staff to review product designs and tooling to ensure efficient and cost-effective production methods.
• Analyze and plan workspace requirements and workflow, and design equipment and workspace layouts to maximize efficiency and safety.
• Work closely with management, engineering, and other staff to review manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and related considerations to facilitate smooth production processes.
• Determine, specify, and justify capital equipment needs to support current and future manufacturing requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers to define product specifications and arrange for the purchase of equipment, materials, or parts, and evaluate supplied products against specifications and quality standards.
• Design and perform product testing and analysis as needed to validate designs, processes, and improvements.
• Perform quality assurance functions as needed to ensure high levels of quality in manufacturing processes and outputs.
• Collect and analyze data to drive improvements in throughput, cost, and quality using proven continuous improvement and lean methodologies.
• Support process engineering and process improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a similar role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience developing, evaluating, and improving manufacturing processes and methods.
• Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing principles and practical implementation of lean tools and methodologies.
• Proficiency with CAD platforms, preferably SolidWorks, for creating and modifying parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data to drive improvements in throughput, cost, and quality of manufacturing processes.
• Experience documenting manufacturing processes and creating clear, detailed work instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and use of email for professional communication.
• Experience working with ERP systems, with familiarity in platforms such as Oracle or Epicor.
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, preferably manufacturing engineering or mechanical engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Black Belt certification in lean or Six Sigma, with practical lean implementation experience, is preferred.
• Experience with rotational molding processes is preferred.
• Experience in process improvement and process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with planning, design, management, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to design and execute product testing and analysis to support product and process validation.
• Attention to detail and a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

The role is based in a comfortable work environment that includes air-conditioned office space and a temperature-controlled warehouse. The facility is modern, clean, and well maintained, with a well-equipped break room where employees can relax and recharge during breaks. The work culture is collaborative and team-oriented, with supportive and experienced colleagues who value open communication and cooperation. The organization operates in a stable industry and maintains a strong reputation, offering employees the opportunity to make a visible impact on processes and outcomes. Work is performed in a professional manufacturing and engineering setting that combines office-based design and planning activities with on-site engagement in production areas and equipment layouts.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $53.00/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 Portland,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 29, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.