Job Title: Industrial Engineer Manufacturing Optimization Material EngineerJob DescriptionThis Industrial Engineer role focuses on manufacturing optimization and material engineering within high-volume assembly centers. You will shape the future of material flow by implementing material strategies and automation, designing efficient and lean material delivery systems, and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to implement advanced material flow solutions, enhance part delivery accuracy, improve product quality, and reduce overall material handling costs in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement material flow strategies and automation solutions in assembly centers to support the factory of the future vision.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams as one integrated team to plan, coordinate, and execute new material automation projects in assembly plants.
- Develop business cases for material strategies and automation initiatives, including cost-benefit analyses and long-term return on investment assessments.
- Create and refine a long-term material flow vision for automation and LMS (Logistics Management Systems) implementation in assembly centers.
- Analyze existing manufacturing and material handling processes and recommend changes that improve efficiency, product quality, and material flow.
- Implement process improvements that enhance part delivery accuracy and reduce overall material handling costs.
- Use AutoCAD, Factory CAD, or equivalent tools to design and optimize plant layouts, material routes, and material handling systems.
- Apply industrial engineering techniques to evaluate workflows, line balancing, ergonomics, and material handling methods in assembly operations.
- Leverage knowledge of basic manufacturing, supply chain, and assembly processes to ensure robust and lean material flow solutions.
- Lead or support GMS (Global Manufacturing System) implementation activities related to material flow and manufacturing optimization.
- Serve as a project lead for material flow and automation initiatives, coordinating resources, tracking timelines, and reporting status to stakeholders.
- Prepare and deliver clear presentations, reports, and updates using MS Office tools to communicate project progress and results.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for automation and material handling optimization across programs and platforms.
- Work daily in a plant floor environment to validate designs, monitor implementation, and troubleshoot material flow issues as they arise.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering teams to ensure new material flow solutions integrate seamlessly with existing operations.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Supply Chain, Industrial) or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 5 years of equivalent experience in manufacturing and supply chain environments.
- Knowledge of basic manufacturing, supply chain, and assembly processes.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, Factory CAD, or equivalent tools for layout and material flow design.
- Proficiency with MS Office tools, including Excel, Access, Project, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of industrial engineering skills and techniques applied to manufacturing and material handling.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in GMS, program or platform manufacturing, and plant manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of GMS principles and hands-on experience with GMS implementation.
- Previous experience as a project lead, with the ability to coordinate resources, provide leadership updates, report status, and track timelines.
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills related to material flow and manufacturing optimization.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Familiarity with automation execution and the principles and concepts related to material flow automation.
- Experience working with AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) in a manufacturing or assembly environment.
- Experience in manufacturing engineering or industrial engineering roles focused on material handling and process optimization.
- Interest in transforming material flow strategies through advanced automation and digital tools.
- Ability to develop and articulate a long-term vision for material flow and automation within assembly operations.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a plant floor environment on a daily basis, working directly within high-volume assembly operations. You will spend significant time on the shop floor observing processes, validating material flow designs, and supporting implementation of automation and material handling solutions. The environment includes interaction with production equipment, material handling systems, and advanced technologies such as AGVs and AMRs. You will work closely with cross-functional teams in both office and production areas, using engineering tools, CAD software, and standard office applications to support your work. The setting is fast-paced and dynamic, requiring flexibility, safety awareness, and a practical, hands-on approach to problem solving. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Lansing, MI. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Lansing, MI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Lansing,MI.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.
