Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer identifies and leads process optimization initiatives, partners cross-functionally to execute improvement plans, and drives formula enhancements and cost reductions. This role internalizes new equipment through hands-on process validation, develops and maintains standard operating procedures, and serves as a subject matter expert for manufacturing equipment and processes. The Manufacturing Engineer supports new product scale-up and commercialization, coordinates production trials and analytical studies, and provides technical expertise and training to Operations and other teams.
Responsibilities
- Identify, design, and implement process optimization projects to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness on the manufacturing floor.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Production, R&D, and other departments to plan and execute process improvement initiatives.
- Identify and drive formula improvements and cost reduction opportunities while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
- Internalize and validate new equipment through hands-on testing, process verification, and performance evaluation.
- Become a subject matter expert in existing manufacturing equipment and processes, providing guidance and troubleshooting support.
- Develop clear and comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new and existing equipment and processes.
- Train Operations staff on the proper use of equipment, adherence to SOPs, and best practices for new and existing processes.
- Coordinate test runs and trials with production facilities and relevant departments to validate process changes and new products.
- Assist with new product scale-up, including planning and executing production trials for large-scale commercialization.
- Coordinate in-house and third-party analytical studies for projects as requested, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.
- Support Operations in the selection, implementation, and effective use of equipment for production activities.
- Provide technical expertise and training to other teams as requested, contributing to continuous improvement across the organization.
- Offer ongoing support for cross-functional project teams and contribute engineering insight to strategic initiatives.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects and tasks, ensuring timely completion and alignment with production schedules and business priorities.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, preferably in Process or Manufacturing Engineering.
- Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience, with experience in the food and beverage industry preferred, focused on process improvement on the manufacturing floor.
- Experience with product development and large-scale commercialization, including production trials.
- Strong attention to detail in documenting processes, analyzing data, and validating equipment performance.
- Analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook for data analysis, documentation, and communication.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills to diagnose issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and train operations staff.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and projects while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to effectively prioritize tasks in a high-pressure, production-driven environment.
- Ability to work with little or no supervision, taking ownership of projects from concept through implementation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Background in process or manufacturing engineering within food and beverage or similar regulated industries.
- Experience with process improvement methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
- Exposure to R&D engineering activities, including collaboration on new product and process development.
- Understanding of logistics and inventory considerations as they relate to manufacturing processes.
- Experience with ERP systems, with familiarity in Aptean or similar platforms considered an asset.
- Strong data entry and data management skills in Excel for tracking trials, performance metrics, and process changes.
- Proven ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Commitment to ethical, sustainable, and responsible business practices aligned with international labor and environmental standards.
Work Environment
This role is primarily based on the manufacturing floor, where approximately 70% of the work will take place, with the remaining 30% in an office setting for analysis, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration. The position operates within a standard schedule of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the need for occasional flexibility to work outside these hours, including some evenings or weekends, to support critical production needs and off-hour project work. The environment emphasizes safe working conditions, fair labor practices, and respect for all workers, with a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the supply chain. The culture promotes ethical trading principles, environmental sustainability, and a focus on dignity and respect for everyone involved in operations and production.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Bay Shore, NY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $90000.00/yr. 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 Bay Shore,NY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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 [email protected] 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.