Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and ongoing operation of automated coating lines and associated process systems for high-volume production. This role focuses on developing new processes and systems, designing and installing coating lines, and creating efficient manufacturing work cells that support welding, brazing, machining, fabrication, forming, and assembly operations. The Manufacturing Engineer manages all aspects of capital acquisition and drives continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives across the production environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the startup, commissioning, and optimization of automated coating lines and associated process systems for high-volume operations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to coating line performance, process reliability, and equipment operation.
- Support the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and systems to improve quality, efficiency, and throughput.
- Design, develop, and install coating lines suitable for high-volume production, ensuring robust process capability and repeatability.
- Develop manufacturing work cells that integrate welding, brazing, machining, fabrication, forming, and assembly processes.
- Identify, specify, and procure necessary capital equipment, tooling, and fixtures to support manufacturing work cells and coating operations.
- Manage all portions of capital acquisition, including requirements definition, vendor selection, installation, and commissioning.
- Own assigned projects from concept through completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and performance targets are met.
- Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to streamline processes and reduce waste.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in automotive, aerospace, medical, or metal fabrication environments to align manufacturing processes with product requirements.
- Utilize advanced product quality planning (APQP) methodologies when applicable to support new product introductions and process validation.
- Maintain documentation for processes, equipment, and work instructions to support consistent and safe operations.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
- Hands-on experience with coating processes such as powder coating, dielectric coating, E-coating, or electroplating.
- Strong knowledge of automated coating lines and associated process systems.
- Experience with manufacturing processes including welding, brazing, machining, fabrication, forming, and assembly.
- Proficiency in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proven ability to own and manage projects from start to finish.
- Background in automotive, aerospace, medical, or metal fabrication industries.
- Ability to manage capital acquisition activities, including equipment selection, procurement, and installation.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing and process issues.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering is preferred.
- Experience with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is a plus.
- Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
- Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement sustainable solutions.
- Comfort working across multiple manufacturing disciplines and technologies.
Work Environment
This role operates within a high-volume manufacturing environment that utilizes automated coating lines and a variety of metalworking processes, including welding, brazing, machining, fabrication, forming, and assembly. The position involves regular interaction with production floors, equipment installation areas, and manufacturing work cells, requiring attention to safety practices and adherence to operational procedures. The Manufacturing Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and metal fabrication. Work may include periods of hands-on equipment commissioning and troubleshooting, as well as time spent on project planning, process development, and continuous improvement activities in an office or engineering workspace.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Elgin, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $52.00/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 South Elgin,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.