Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and overall production performance. This role analyzes production data to identify areas for improvement, leads Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives, and ensures that production procedures make effective use of materials, methods, and personnel. The Manufacturing Engineer provides hands-on support on the production floor, trains and assists production staff on processes and equipment, and collaborates closely with manufacturing and quality teams to resolve issues, drive root cause analysis, and maintain compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Train and support production staff on manufacturing processes, standard work, and equipment operation.
• Lead and support Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives to reduce waste and enhance productivity.
• Ensure production procedures efficiently utilize materials, methods, and personnel to achieve operational goals.
• Consult with manufacturing teams to resolve questions, misunderstandings, and process-related issues.
• Schedule, perform, and document routine maintenance on manufacturing and test equipment to ensure reliability and uptime.
• Assist with quality control activities to verify product correctness and adherence to specifications.
• Diagnose the root cause of manufacturing defects and coordinate corrective and preventive actions.
• Perform cost/benefit analyses to evaluate improvement opportunities and support data-driven decision making.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards across all manufacturing activities.
• Spend approximately 80% of working time on the production floor to provide direct support and observe processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support production for applications such as water treatment, oil and gas, food-grade products, and distribution.

Essential Skills

• Experience in manufacturing engineering with a focus on process development and optimization.
• Strong background in process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and their practical application on the production floor.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes and assembly operations.
• Ability to analyze production data and perform root cause analysis of manufacturing defects.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for engineering design and process-related modeling.
• Capability to perform cost/benefit analysis to evaluate improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of safety, quality, and regulatory standards in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to spend approximately 80% of work time on the production floor.
• Effective communication skills to train and support production staff and collaborate with manufacturing teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, either completed or currently being pursued.
• Experience in process engineering within manufacturing environments such as tanks for water treatment, oil and gas, food-grade applications, or large-scale distribution.
• Familiarity with routine maintenance practices for manufacturing and test equipment.
• Comfort working in large, growing organizations with structured performance reviews and pay increase processes.
• Interest in contributing to a world-leading manufacturer serving diverse industrial sectors.
• Ability to work independently on the production floor while maintaining strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% in a manufacturing environment with work performed primarily on a concrete production floor. The facility is not climate controlled, so temperatures and conditions vary with the seasons. The work can involve exposure to materials and processes that may feel itchy or sticky, and appropriate personal protective equipment is required. Team members must wear a respirator while working, which requires being clean-shaven to ensure a proper seal. The dress code includes close-toed shoes and prohibits tank tops to maintain safety standards. The company offers benefits, paid time off accruing at 3.52 hours per two-week pay period, and regular performance reviews that support pay increases. The organization operates as a large, growing manufacturer and a world leader in tank production for applications such as water treatment plants, oil and gas, food-grade products, and major distribution clients.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sioux Falls, SD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $38.46/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 Sioux Falls,SD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.