Manufacturing Engineer

Actalent is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for a contract position in Minnetonka, MN.

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer applies strong technical skills and a deep understanding of manufacturing operations to lead and execute complex engineering tasks. This role focuses on proactively solving problems, collaborating across functions, and driving continuous improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost within a dynamic production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and take ownership of complex manufacturing engineering tasks that may involve multiple interrelated elements across processes, equipment, and systems.
• Anticipate and identify key technical issues in manufacturing operations and develop clear recommendations and solutions, even when no precedent exists.
• Apply creative thinking to introduce new methods, approaches, or process changes that resolve technical problems and improve performance.
• Evaluate and consider the impact of proposed changes on related systems, equipment, and processes to ensure safe and effective implementation.
• Collaborate closely with peers, technicians, and mentors through reviews of technical rationale, verification activities, and validation testing.
• Support manufacturing operations by troubleshooting production issues, improving existing processes, and optimizing equipment performance for reliability and throughput.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, A3 problem solving, standard work development, waste reduction, and efficiency projects.
• Align engineering activities with overall business objectives and maintain a strong understanding of the broader manufacturing environment and operations.
• Document engineering work, process changes, and improvements in a clear and structured manner to support repeatability and knowledge sharing.
• Participate in cross-functional discussions to ensure that engineering solutions support safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical, Software, or a related discipline.
• 0–5 years of experience in an engineering role or equivalent advanced education.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make sound technical decisions.
• Solid technical and problem-solving skills applied to manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with peers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead tasks independently and drive results to completion.
• Experience or familiarity with manufacturing processes and manufacturing engineering principles.

Skills

• Exposure to or interest in continuous improvement methodologies such as 5S and A3 problem solving.
• Experience contributing to standard work development and waste reduction initiatives.
• Ability to think creatively and introduce new methods or approaches to resolve complex issues.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple engineering tasks and priorities in a production environment.
• Comfort working in a hands-on manufacturing setting alongside operations and maintenance teams.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment with a regular shift of 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The position involves working closely with production lines, equipment, and technical staff to support daily operations and continuous improvement efforts. The work includes time on the shop floor troubleshooting issues, observing processes, and implementing changes, as well as desk-based tasks such as analysis, documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and efficiency, with structured practices such as 5S and standard work to maintain an organized and effective workplace.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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.

Benefits

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)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite, contract position based in Minnetonka, MN with a regular shift of 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM.