Associate Manufacturing Engineer (CNC)

Actalent; Lexington (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Associate Manufacturing Engineer to support daily operations, lead improvement initiatives, and drive capital equipment projects across multiple processes. The role involves partnering with operators, technicians, maintenance, and production leadership to boost safety, quality, productivity and overall efficiency.

The successful candidate will participate in process development, equipment installations, automation initiatives and ongoing production support activities while

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field and hands-on manufacturing exposure.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency with Excel and standard business software; familiarity with CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Study production processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate processes for safety, quality, efficiency, throughput and cost; implement enhancements.
• Support daily operations and troubleshoot to minimize downtime and defects.
• Assist with installation of new equipment and manufacturing technologies.
• Design layouts for processes and equipment to optimize workflow and space.
• Participate in continuous improvement to reduce waste and boost productivity.
• Support launches, startups and process changes for ramp-up.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, engineering and operations teams.
• Analyze data and metrics to recommend process improvements.
• Support automation, robotics, and technology projects from concept to implementation.
• Interface with vendors and contractors during installations and upgrades.
• Manage projects from planning through execution with scheduling and follow-up.
• Participate in safety and operational excellence initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

Job Title: Associate Manufacturing Engineer

The Associate Manufacturing Engineer supports daily manufacturing operations, drives production improvement initiatives, and leads equipment implementation projects across multiple manufacturing processes. This role suits a motivated engineer who enjoys working directly with operators, technicians, maintenance personnel, and production leadership to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and overall manufacturing efficiency. The successful candidate plays an active role in manufacturing process improvement, capital projects, equipment installations, automation initiatives, and ongoing production support activities.

Responsibilities

• Study production processes and manufacturing requirements to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes based on safety, quality, efficiency, throughput, and cost, and recommend enhancements.
• Support daily manufacturing operations and troubleshoot production issues to minimize downtime and defects.
• Assist with the implementation of new equipment and manufacturing technologies to improve capability and capacity.
• Design and maintain manufacturing process layouts and equipment arrangements to optimize workflow and space utilization.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, improve quality, and increase productivity.
• Support manufacturing launches, equipment startups, and process changes to ensure smooth and efficient ramp-up.
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Analyze production data and performance metrics and recommend process improvements based on findings.
• Support automation, robotics, and manufacturing technology projects from concept through implementation.
• Interface with equipment vendors and contractors during equipment installations, upgrades, and improvements.
• Manage assigned projects from planning through execution, including scheduling, coordination, and follow-up.
• Participate in plant-wide safety and operational excellence initiatives to promote a safe and efficient workplace.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, maintenance, engineering, or operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and standard business software.
• Foundational knowledge of manufacturing engineering and process engineering principles.
• Ability to support process development and process improvement activities.
• Interest in or exposure to mechatronics and engineering technology.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Internship experience in manufacturing, engineering, or related fields.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing concepts and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with automation or robotics projects in a production setting.
• Experience using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Creo.
• Maintenance or hands-on technical background supporting equipment or machinery.
• Experience working with machining, fabrication, stamping, welding, assembly, or painting processes.
• Interest in supporting facility expansion and capital projects within a growing manufacturing operation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lexington, TN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $80000.00/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, Medical, Dental, Vision - I have a copy of the benefits - Match 100% your first 6% then after a 60 day waiting period Nidec will put an additional 3% as long as you contribute 6. Fully vested after 5 years. Company is growing and expanding 54 million dollar expansion - long term growth opportunity and great opportunity to grow career and skillset

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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 [e-mail] 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.