Job Title: Material Flow Engineer Job DescriptionThe Material Flow Engineer will optimize warehousing and material flow operations across a global supply chain to achieve best-in-class quality, reliability, speed, and asset utilization. In this contract role, you will collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Business Operations teams to support programs from early development through full-rate production. You will ramp quickly with minimal onboarding, take holistic ownership of operational challenges, and deliver measurable improvements within the contract period in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.Responsibilities
- Work across multiple programs from development through full-rate production to scale best-in-class material flow and warehousing solutions aligned with the maturity of manufacturing processes.
- Proactively identify imbalances and bottlenecks caused by inventory processes, line layouts, parts shortages, staffing shortages, and other production constraints, and drive these constraints to resolution with Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality stakeholders.
- Own and maintain metrics, KPIs, and reporting that monitor production line health and efficiency, including cycle time, throughput rate, capacity, utilization, process non-conformities, and inventory accuracy.
- Conduct detailed time studies of current and developing processes to ensure efficiency across warehouse and operations.
- Develop processes and workplans that optimize material flow and labor utilization for highly variable demand across multiple sites.
- Translate analytical tools, reports, and data into clear, actionable tasks that improve the health and performance of warehouse operations across diverse processes and locations.
- Produce and maintain tools that increase the accuracy of work demand forecasting for new facilities and maturing processes, using data-driven approaches such as value stream mapping, process mapping, and line balancing techniques.
- Specify storage and material handling needs, select appropriate equipment, and oversee implementation in alignment with production and warehouse requirements.
- Collaborate with vendors to define, procure, and implement equipment solutions, including writing RFPs, evaluating proposals, and managing vendors through project completion.
- Model production lines and run production scenarios using plant or process simulation software to inform layout, capacity, and flow decisions.
- Design and set up departments or factories using principles such as value stream mapping, continuous flow, one-piece flow, and ergonomic workstation design.
- Fully own value chains from start to finish, measure each step of the process, and create actionable tasks that lead to significant and sustainable business improvements.
- Present project findings and results to cross-functional teams, clearly connecting data insights to proposed next steps and operational changes.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing principles to drive productivity and efficiency, including hands-on involvement in process optimization and low-capital (poka-yoke and other) solutions.
- Build and run custom SQL queries to track production and inventory, and support data storage strategies that improve visibility and control.
- Continuously push incremental improvements into the warehouse and production floor quickly, iterate on solutions, and drive toward world-class operational performance.
Essential Skills
- Strong exp. in supply chain, logistics, and material flow within manufacturing or production environments.
- Proficiency with CAD tools, including required experience with AutoCAD for layout and equipment design.
- Experience using NX and Teamcenter as primary design tools for reviewing and interpreting engineering data.
- Bachelors degree in engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
- At least 3 years of experience in a high-rate supply chain or manufacturing environment where complex mechanical and/or electrical assemblies are built with heavy data utilization.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation such as drawings and CAD data, and familiarity with hardware manufacturing processes for electronics (PCBAs, sensor hardware), mechanical components, structures, and electromechanical systems.
- Experience working with vendors to specify, procure, and implement equipment solutions, including writing RFPs, evaluating options, and managing vendors through project completion.
- Demonstrated experience identifying storage or material handling needs, specifying appropriate equipment, and overseeing implementation.
- Experience with Siemens Plant Simulation, Visual Components, or similar process simulation software to model production lines and run scenarios.
- Hands-on experience with department or factory design and setup, including value stream mapping, flow lines, continuous flow, one-piece flow, and workstation design.
- Ability to own a complete value chain from start to finish, measure each step, and convert insights into actionable tasks that drive sustainable business improvements.
- Demonstrated ability to present project results to cross-functional teams and clearly relate data to proposed next steps.
- Prior experience with a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for production operations or a Warehouse Management System (WMS).
- Prior knowledge of NetSuite, Oracle, or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
- Hands-on experience delivering successful projects through operational analysis and practical process improvements, including error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions that minimize the need for large capital expenditures.
- Experience interacting with SQL databases for information storage and building custom queries to track production and inventory.
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to support multi-site operations.
- Ability to work onsite in Columbus, OH for the full duration of the contract, without relocation support.
- Availability to start within a defined number of weeks and commit to the full contract term.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in electronics, space, or defense manufacturing environments.
- Comfort operating in fast-paced, resource-limited settings and taking holistic ownership of operational challenges.
- Strong analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to process optimization and problem solving.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Business Operations.
- Track record of driving incremental improvements quickly, iterating on solutions, and striving for world-class operational performance.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data and technical details into clear operational actions and stakeholder-ready presentations.
Work EnvironmentThe role is based onsite in Columbus, OH within a cutting-edge defense technology environment focused on transforming military capabilities through advanced autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technologies. You will work in a production and warehouse setting that supports a global manufacturing platform, using modern digital tools, CAD systems, plant simulation software, MES/WMS solutions, and ERP platforms to manage operations. The work involves close collaboration with engineering, supply chain, quality, and operations teams, and may include up to 25% travel to other facilities to support multi-site implementation and scaling of solutions. The environment is fast-paced, mission-driven, and highly innovative, emphasizing rapid iteration, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement in material flow and warehousing operations. Dress code is typical for an engineering and operations setting, balancing safety and practicality for time spent on the production floor and in office or lab spaces. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashville, OH. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $50.00 - $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 to Hire position based out of Ashville, OH. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Ashville,OH.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.
