Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Lean / Industrial Engineering FocusJob DescriptionThis Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on Lean and Industrial Engineering within a continuous improvement and Lean operations team. The position is primarily based on the shop floor and works closely with production leads and supervisors to improve operational efficiency, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and maintain facility standards. The engineer leads 5S implementation, value stream mapping, root-cause problem solving, and time studies while serving as a hands-on partner to the manufacturing teams.Responsibilities
- Spend the majority of time on the shop floor collaborating with manufacturing leads and supervisors to identify improvement opportunities and address daily operational bottlenecks.
- Observe existing production processes, identify bottlenecks or wasted steps, and propose practical solutions to improve flow, efficiency, and throughput.
- Conduct detailed time studies and work measurements to establish, update, standardize, and maintain accurate operational time standards and labor requirements.
- Analyze production data in Excel to evaluate efficiency, capacity, downtime, and costs, and translate findings into actionable improvement initiatives.
- Lead and facilitate structured problem-solving sessions using root-cause analysis methodologies to resolve recurring issues and prevent reoccurrence.
- Plan, organize, and lead value stream mapping (VSM) events to map current processes, identify waste, and design improved future-state workflows.
- Drive, coach, and execute 5S standards across shop floor work areas, ensuring organized, efficient, and safe work environments.
- Improve plant layouts, workstations, material flow, and production lines to optimize space utilization, ergonomics, and productivity.
- Create, document, and maintain standardized work instructions so operators perform processes consistently and in alignment with best practices.
- Identify manual processes that could be automated and evaluate opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs through automation.
- Help justify new equipment or automation investments by preparing data-driven analyses of potential return on investment and cost savings.
- Collaborate with automation vendors and internal engineering teams during the implementation of new equipment, tooling, or automation solutions.
- Oversee and execute assigned segments of larger, long-term continuous improvement projects, ensuring tasks are completed on time and within scope.
- Coach and mentor shop floor teams and leadership on Lean methodologies, continuous improvement tools, and a culture of ongoing improvement.
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and industrial engineering principles to improve processes without sacrificing quality or safety.
- Work autonomously, taking ownership of assigned tasks and driving initiatives forward with minimal supervision while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.
Essential Skills
- Strong background in structured root-cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks (highly preferred) or AutoCAD, including the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
- Solid understanding and practical application of Lean manufacturing principles, including process mapping, value stream mapping, standard work, and waste reduction.
- Knowledge of industrial engineering concepts such as time studies, work measurement, line balancing, and capacity analysis.
- Experience in continuous improvement and process improvement within a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret production and process data to drive decisions.
- Strong shop floor presence and comfort working directly with operators, leads, and supervisors in a hands-on environment.
- Self-motivation and the ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and drive initiatives without micromanagement.
- Effective communication skills to coach, mentor, and influence cross-functional teams.
- Ability to follow all required safety procedures and model safe work practices at all times.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Seeking BS in Industrial, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering and 1-3+ years of professional experience OR skilled 5+ year Manufacturing Technician with good Lean tool belt.
- Direct experience working on a manufacturing shop floor, such as serving as a supervisor, lead, or hands-on team member.
- Practical, hands-on Lean and continuous improvement experience with a proven record of completing projects and driving measurable results.
- background in industrial, mechanical, or process engineering, or related engineering disciplines.
- Experience in aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience with fixture design, tooling, and workstation design to support efficient and ergonomic production.
- Project management experience, including planning, coordinating, and tracking continuous improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
- Comfort working with automation vendors and internal engineering teams to implement new equipment or automated solutions.
- Openness to non-traditional engineering backgrounds where strong hands-on manufacturing and Lean experience is demonstrated.
- Interest in a role that emphasizes practical experience and continuous learning over formal credentials alone.
- Desire to work in an environment that encourages proposing and implementing ones own ideas for process and operational improvements.
Work EnvironmentThe role operates in both office and manufacturing floor environments, with the engineer spending the majority of time on the shop floor. The position requires standing, walking, and observing production processes for extended periods while working closely with production teams in a hands-on setting. The work environment emphasizes safety and continuous improvement, and the engineer must follow all required safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment when on the production floor. The culture supports making meaningful improvements, implementing ones own ideas, and contributing directly to operational efficiency.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mcminnville, OR. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $33.00 - $43.00/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 to Hire position based out of Mcminnville, OR. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Mcminnville,OR.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.
