Manufacturing Engineer

Actalent; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for our Reading, PA facility. This hands-on role focuses on developing, implementing, and optimizing processes to boost productivity, quality, and compliance across cross-functional teams.

You will design and validate new processes, apply lean Six Sigma practices, and lead continuous improvement initiatives while working with CAD tools like SolidWorks and AutoCAD. This is a contract-to-hire onsite position with competitive hourly pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 35 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing engineering role.
• Possess a valid Driver's License.
• Ability to pass a drug screening and background check.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality.
• Evaluate and implement automation techniques, tooling solutions, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Identify root causes of production issues and apply structured problem-solving methods to develop and execute effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and operations teams to ensure all processes meet quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions, SOPs, and technical specifications.
• Support the introduction of new products and processes by leading process validation, trials, and documentation.
• Monitor production performance metrics and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Partner with maintenance and equipment teams to ensure manufacturing equipment is properly maintained and running at peak performance.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production staff and cross-functional teams.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with company safety policies, environmental regulations, and industry standards.
• Manage capital equipment implementation projects from research and design to execution.

Skills

Manufacturing equipment

Automation techniques

Structured problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

CAD software (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)

Lean/Six Sigma

Quality/ISO knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to drive efficiency, quality, and production performance at our Reading, PA facility. This role works cross-functionally with production, quality, and operations teams to resolve technical challenges, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure our manufacturing operations meet the highest standards of performance and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality.

• Evaluate and implement automation techniques, tooling solutions, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

• Identify root causes of production issues and apply structured problem-solving methods to develop and execute effective corrective actions.

• Collaborate with production, quality, and operations teams to ensure all processes meet quality standards and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical specifications.

• Support the introduction of new products and processes by leading process validation, trials, and documentation.

• Monitor production performance metrics and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

• Partner with maintenance and equipment teams to ensure manufacturing equipment is properly maintained and running at peak performance.

• Provide technical guidance and support to production staff and cross-functional teams.

• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with company safety policies, environmental regulations, and industry standards.

• Manage capital equipment implementation projects from research and design to execution.

Essential Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, automation techniques, tooling, and process design.

• Proficiency in structured problem-solving methods such as root cause analysis, 8D, or FMEA.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work across departments and lead cross-functional efforts.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, 5S (or 6S), Cycle Time, Takt Time, Kanban, and Poka-Yoke.

• Knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO or AS9100.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Minimum of 35 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing engineering role.

• Experience with process improvement, tooling, and production optimization.

• Possess a valid Driver's License.

• Ability to pass a drug screening and background check.

Work Environment

This position involves a hands-on manufacturing and engineering operation with a strong focus on continuous improvement, safety, and cross-functional teamwork. The majority of processes within the plant are manual, focusing on building electrical control panels for power distribution applications under 508A, serving industries such as semiconductors, automotive, and HVAC. The team consists of experienced members who have been with the company for over 10 years, fostering a collaborative environment. The role will involve using CAD software for 3D modeling and layout design, with SolidWorks and AutoCAD being the primary tools. The company is currently expanding, providing an exciting opportunity to join during this period of growth, with additional benefits like paid time off and holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reading, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $42.26/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 & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reading, PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Reading,PA.

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.