Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Advanced Manufacturing EngineerJob DescriptionThe Advanced Manufacturing Engineer develops, launches, and continuously improves manufacturing processes for high-volume automotive products and assemblies. This role leads process development from quotation through production launch, driving automation initiatives, capital equipment projects, and continuous improvement activities. You collaborate closely with production, design engineering, suppliers, and customers to ensure manufacturing solutions meet quality, efficiency, and cost objectives in a modern, fast-paced automotive environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust manufacturing processes for new and existing automotive products and assemblies.
• Lead manufacturing feasibility reviews and support customer quotations by estimating labor, material, tooling, and equipment costs.
• Source, evaluate, justify, and procure new manufacturing equipment, tooling, and assembly systems to support production needs.
• Collaborate with suppliers, equipment vendors, and engineering teams to design and implement automation solutions that improve efficiency and consistency.
• Coordinate and support new product launches, including production trials, process validation activities, and launch readiness reviews.
• Participate in customer meetings and program reviews throughout development and launch phases to represent manufacturing requirements and status.
• Design and optimize material flow, plant layouts, and production processes to support high-volume, efficient automotive manufacturing.
• Manage engineering changes and support implementation of ECR/ECN/ECI activities, ensuring smooth integration into existing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, ergonomics, and safety.
• Oversee tooling and equipment builds, modifications, and process development activities required for new model launches and product changes.
• Conduct time studies and labor analysis to support line balancing, staffing plans, and cost optimization.
• Perform feasibility studies and support RFQ activities, providing manufacturing input and recommendations on design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Develop and refine tooling and fixture concepts using CAD software to support stable, repeatable production processes.
• Support manufacturing quotations and cost analysis for new programs and engineering changes.
• Interface with vendors and suppliers to manage equipment specifications, timelines, and performance during procurement and launch.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Professional experience in manufacturing engineering within a high-volume production environment, preferably automotive.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process development, including process design, validation, and optimization.
• Experience with automation, assembly systems, and capital equipment projects from concept through launch.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD for tooling, equipment, and layout development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose process issues and implement effective solutions.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, coordinating, and delivering manufacturing projects on schedule.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and equipment vendors in a collaborative environment.
• Experience conducting time studies, labor analysis, and industrial engineering methods for line balancing and cost optimization.
• Hands-on experience with tooling and fixture development, modification, and process improvements.
• Experience in manufacturing quotations and cost analysis, including labor, material, tooling, and equipment estimation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Injection molding or plastics processing experience in a production environment.
• Knowledge of automated assembly systems and production equipment design.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably JDE, for manufacturing and launch activities.
• Experience with engineering change management processes (ECR/ECN/ECI) and automotive launch requirements.
• Background in material flow analysis and plant layout development for high-volume operations.
• Experience with supplier management and equipment vendor coordination.
• Exposure to feasibility studies, RFQ support, and design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews.
• Experience leading continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives within manufacturing operations.
• Strong client interfacing skills for working with customers and external partners on technical and launch-related topics.
• Experience overseeing tooling and equipment builds from specification through installation and ramp-up.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive supplier environment that is fast-paced, launch-focused, and highly hands-on. You work within a clean, safety-first production setting that emphasizes modern automation, capital equipment, and continuous improvement. The environment centers on new program launches, automotive assemblies, and close collaboration with production, engineering, and supplier teams, offering significant visibility and direct impact on manufacturing strategy and how products are built. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Springfield, KY. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $120000.00/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.Health Dental Vision 401K Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Springfield, KY. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Springfield,KY.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.