Manufacturing Engineer

Actalent; Merrill (WI); On-site; USD 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Time Off

Job summary

Actalent in Merrill, WI is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop, optimize, and support metal manufacturing processes in a high-volume plant. The role is hands-on on the shop floor, working with brass, aluminum, and steel, CNC machines, heat treating, and finishing equipment.

You will collaborate with the existing engineering team to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and document processes while training operators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related field.
• At least 5 years in a manufacturing engineering role.
• Hands-on floor experience with metal processes (brass, aluminum, steel).
• Ability to work on the shop floor with CNC machinery and metalworking equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration with production teams.

Responsibilities

• Work on the manufacturing floor about 50% of the time on production processes.
• Support and optimize metal forming, machining, heat treating, and finishing.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to improve throughput and reduce scrap.
• Develop process parameters for heat treating and anodizing.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC equipment on metal stock.
• Analyze production data to identify issues and implement improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and training to production staff.
• Contribute to process documentation and SOPs.
• Assist in integrating finishing lines such as anodizers and plating.

Skills

Hands-on shop floor

CNC operations

Process optimization

Problem solving

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CNC machines

Heat treating equipment

Anodizing equipment

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on developing, optimizing, and supporting metal manufacturing processes within a high-volume production plant. The position is hands-on and floor-focused, working directly with modern machining, heat treating, anodizing, and finishing equipment to ensure efficient, reliable, and high-quality output of metal components.

Responsibilities

• Work on the manufacturing floor approximately 50% of the time, actively engaging with production processes, equipment, and operators.
• Support and optimize manufacturing processes for brass, aluminum, and steel, including cold forming, annealing, machining, heat treating, and finishing.
• Collaborate with the existing manufacturing engineering team to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance overall process efficiency.
• Develop and refine process parameters for heat treating and anodizing operations to ensure consistent quality and performance.
• Assist in the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of CNC machining equipment used to process various types and shapes of metal stock.
• Analyze production data and process performance to identify issues, recommend corrective actions, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with production staff to provide technical guidance, support training, and ensure processes are followed correctly on the shop floor.
• Contribute to process documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and technical specifications for manufacturing operations.
• Support the introduction and integration of modern finishing equipment such as anodizers, paint systems, zinc plating lines, and phoscoat lines.
• Participate in efforts to reduce training time and accelerate ramp-up for new processes and equipment by leveraging prior manufacturing engineering experience.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role.
• Bachelors degree in an engineering-related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of working knowledge and experience with metals, including brass, aluminum, and steel.
• Hands-on approach with a strong desire to work directly on the manufacturing floor.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as cold forming, annealing, machining, heat treating, and finishing.
• Ability to work with and understand CNC machining operations and metalworking equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve process and equipment issues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with production teams and other engineers in a plant environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in CNC machine operation is highly desirable.
• Experience with heat treating and anodizing processes.
• Familiarity with modern finishing equipment, including anodizers, paint systems, zinc plating lines, and phoscoat lines.
• Experience in a high-volume metal manufacturing environment.
• Comfort working in a setting that produces metal casings and shells for specialized end use.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new equipment and processes quickly and help reduce training and ramp-up time for new initiatives.

Work Environment

The role is based in a metal manufacturing plant that processes brass, aluminum, and steel into casings and shells using a variety of modern equipment. The facility includes cold forming, annealing, machining, heat treating, and finishing operations, supported by two anodizers, two paint systems, one zinc plating line, and one phoscoat line. There are currently two manufacturing engineers on site, and this position will join an expanding team, with an expectation to spend around half of the time on the production floor in a hands-on capacity. The environment is fast-paced and highly technical, with state-of-the-art machining equipment designed for different types and shapes of metal stock. Work is typically performed in standard plant attire appropriate for a manufacturing floor, with adherence to all required safety practices and use of personal protective equipment as needed.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Merrill, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.60 - $40.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Merrill,WI.

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.