Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer I
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer I applies engineering theory and principles to optimize industrial layouts and manufacturing production processes for mini hydraulic excavators. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, velocity, and cost by analyzing current processes, developing and implementing improvements, and supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term projects. The engineer works independently and as part of a cross-functional team to maintain and enhance systems, procedures, training, and equipment used in product manufacturing, while also contributing to engineering product design recommendations.
Responsibilities
- Study time, motion, methods, and speed involved in maintenance, production, and other operations to establish standard production rates and improve efficiency.
- Interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, and formulas, and collaborate with engineering and leadership teams to determine quality and reliability standards.
- Review worker logs, product processing sheets, and specification sheets to verify adherence to quality assurance specifications.
- Aid in planning work assignments based on worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, and anticipated delays to ensure efficient operations.
- Prepare charts, graphs, and diagrams to illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, material handling, and machine utilization for manufacturing processes.
- Perform technical analysis of manufacturing processes to support management decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead or support the acquisition, design, fabrication, and repair of tooling, fixtures, and machines required for production.
- Troubleshoot day-to-day process issues, develop data-driven solutions, and monitor the effectiveness of implemented improvements.
- Monitor all exchange and in-house manufacturing requirements to ensure alignment with production goals and standards.
- Procure materials related to manufacturing improvements through external suppliers, coordinating with supply chain and purchasing teams as needed.
- Perform quality checks on machines and equipment, and initiate and deploy engineering change notices to address issues and implement design or process changes.
- Establish and maintain bills of materials and work orders, ensuring accuracy and alignment with current processes and product configurations.
- Respond to customer issues related to manufacturing processes and lead process improvement activities to address root causes and prevent recurrence.
- Provide day-to-day coaching and guidance to team members in the absence of a team leader, supporting skill development and effective execution of work.
- Tool up the assembly line for mini hydraulic excavators, ensuring the line can consistently achieve key performance indicators and production targets.
- Work within an ERP system (such as SAP) to develop routings, create and maintain work instructions, and support accurate production planning.
- Lead or participate in long-term projects, such as redesigning operations for pressing bearings into booms and sticks, and installing vision systems to reduce defects.
- Execute process improvement activities including cycle time reduction, work rebalancing, tooling corrections, and implementation of lean manufacturing practices.
- Conduct time studies to analyze work content and identify opportunities for efficiency, ergonomics, and quality improvements.
- Identify and develop solutions to safety, quality, velocity, and cost issues in a shop floor environment, and drive implementation of corrective actions.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain functions to ensure manufacturing processes support product and business requirements.
- Create and maintain clear, detailed work instructions and process documentation to support consistent execution on the assembly line.
- Influence stakeholders and drive projects to completion without direct authority by building strong relationships and presenting data-driven recommendations.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing projects, integrating lean principles into existing production and management processes.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in engineering required, or a minimum of 5 years of manufacturing planning experience in lieu of a degree.
- 02 years of manufacturing engineering or related experience; recent graduates with internship or co-op experience are suitable.
- Ability to make sketches, engineering drawings, and common engineering computations.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
- Previous experience with computer applications and software related to the engineering field, including Computer Aided Design (CAD) such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
- Experience with manufacturing processes, including knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies, and processes.
- Experience with assembly operations in a manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with ERP systems (such as SAP) to develop routings and create work instructions.
- Experience in conducting time studies to support process analysis and improvement.
- Ability to create and maintain routings and work instructions in manufacturing systems.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with multiple departments simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated ability to accurately analyze situations and reach informed decisions.
- Ability to identify and develop solutions to safety, quality, velocity, and cost issues on the shop floor.
- Team-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain.
- Detail-oriented approach with strong organizational and project management skills.
- Self-starter with strong initiative and accountability, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to influence stakeholders and drive projects to completion without direct authority.
- Adaptability and willingness to support changing business needs.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing philosophy, principles, and implementation approaches, and the ability to integrate lean practices into production processes.
- Work Environment
This role is fully onsite in Athens, working within a modern manufacturing facility focused on mini hydraulic excavator production. The schedule typically runs Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with occasional extended hours to support projects and production needs. The position involves approximately 50% office-based work and 50% time on the assembly line, providing a balance between analytical tasks, system work, and hands-on process improvement activities. Work is conducted in a fast-paced, shop floor environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, uses tools such as CAD software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and engages directly with tooling, fixtures, and production equipment. Travel is minimal, with occasional trips to a research center in North Carolina. The culture values problem solving, innovation, and building sustainable communities, and encourages collaboration, initiative, and professional growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Athens, GA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/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 & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Athens, GA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Athens,GA.
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.
