Pre Production Engineer

Job Title: Pre-Production / Roll Forming EngineerJob DescriptionThe Pre-Production / Roll Forming Engineer utilizes advanced engineering, manufacturing process knowledge, and data analysis to support roll forming operations and deliver the highest quality product at the lowest cost. This role focuses on process improvement, manufacturing optimization, and profit enhancement while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the facility. The engineer works closely with production, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to troubleshoot equipment, optimize tooling, and strengthen quality systems in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Support achievement of divisional and departmental business plan objectives and key performance indicators.
• Drive profit enhancement initiatives by improving processes, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency.
• Reduce manufacturing scrap and waste through process optimization and corrective actions.
• Reduce product defects and improve overall quality performance using data-driven methods.
• Identify and implement labor-saving opportunities to improve productivity and throughput.
• Provide hands-on support for roll forming tooling, equipment, and manufacturing processes on the production floor.
• Diagnose roll forming and forming-related defects and provide technical support for problem analysis, corrective actions, and recurrence prevention.
• Develop and implement solutions that improve safety, equipment reliability, throughput, and product quality.
• Independently investigate and develop new processing strategies to eliminate manufacturing defects and stabilize production.
• Develop advanced processing controls and make recommendations to leadership regarding manufacturing improvements.
• Utilize structured problem-solving tools, including 8-Step Problem Solving, 8D, and 5 Whys, to define issues and implement preventive countermeasures.
• Lead cross-functional teams in resolving significant manufacturing and quality issues.
• Escalate critical concerns to leadership in a timely manner to prevent customer-impacting events.
• Ensure compliance with existing quality systems, including TS, IATF, ISO, and related automotive quality standards.
• Apply mathematical concepts to manufacturing analysis, process improvement, and data evaluation to support decision-making.
• Interpret engineering drawings, diagrams, and technical instructions to guide tooling setup, process adjustments, and equipment changes.
• Prepare clear reports, business correspondence, procedures, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Respond effectively to customer, supplier, and internal inquiries related to product quality, process capability, and equipment performance.
• Accurately inspect parts and verify specifications using precision measurement instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and feeler gauges.
• Identify waste, lead kaizen activities, and implement sustainable continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, and delivery.
• Support daily manufacturing operations while driving efficiency, productivity, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Contribute to equipment reliability improvements through robust troubleshooting, corrective actions, and preventive measures.
• Apply knowledge of tooling, roll sets, dies, and tooling adjustments to optimize production performance and product consistency.
• Support and comply with automotive manufacturing quality processes such as APQP and PPAP where required.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams on high-impact continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 1+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling engineering, industrial maintenance, or production equipment support.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial equipment and mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to use precision measurement instruments including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and feeler gauges.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documentation, engineering drawings, and diagrams.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, peers, leadership, customers, and suppliers in both verbal and written formats.
• Ability to prepare clear reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Ability to respond effectively to customer, supplier, and internal inquiries.
• Strong presentation and communication skills to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts to manufacturing analysis, process improvement, and data evaluation.
• Experience utilizing root cause analysis methodologies and corrective action processes such as 8D and 5 Whys.
• Ability to implement preventive countermeasures using structured 8-Step problem-solving methods.
• Ability to distinguish critical priorities from less significant issues and act accordingly in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to accurately inspect and verify part specifications using precision measurement and inspection tools.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills to diagnose and correct equipment, tooling, and process-related problems on the production floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Direct roll forming experience with equipment, tooling, and processes to support production, troubleshoot issues, and improve product quality.
• CAD experience utilizing Creo, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar design software.
• Automotive manufacturing experience, particularly in high-volume environments.
• Experience with Toyota Production System (TPS) or similar lean manufacturing systems.
• Experience with continuous improvement and kaizen initiatives focused on waste reduction and productivity improvement.
• Knowledge of tooling and die concepts, including forming tools, roll sets, dies, and tooling adjustments.
• Knowledge of automotive and manufacturing quality standards and systems such as TS16949, IATF, ISO14001, and related documentation and compliance procedures.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and practices.
• Exposure to APQP, PPAP, and other automotive quality planning and validation processes.
• Experience with statistical analysis for process capability, variation reduction, and data-based decision-making.
• Experience with equipment reliability improvement efforts and preventive maintenance concepts.
• Knowledge of welding and tube mill processes as they relate to roll forming and downstream operations.
• Experience using ERP systems to support manufacturing operations and data tracking.
• Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical instructions and translate them into practical actions.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a combination of office and manufacturing floor environments. You will regularly apply Go & See principles by spending time on the production floor to observe processes, interact with operators, and support real-time troubleshooting. The position involves working under deadlines and resolving issues in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing setting where priorities can shift quickly based on production and customer needs. The role may require travel as needed to support customers, suppliers, or other facilities. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, utilize manufacturing and quality systems such as ERP, TS/IATF/ISO frameworks, and lean manufacturing tools, and engage directly with roll forming equipment, tooling, and precision measurement instruments while adhering to all applicable safety and facility procedures. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lebanon, KY. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $29.00 - $36.00/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 Lebanon, KY. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Lebanon,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.