Manufacturing Engineer- Machining

Actalent; Pontiac (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer Machining to design, optimize, and improve CNC machining processes with a hands-on approach on the Pontiac shop floor. You will collaborate with design engineers, operators, and installers to drive process improvements, manage capital projects, and document workflows.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3+ years of experience, with strong CAD skills and lean manufacturing knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience preferred.
• Experience with CNC programming and machining front-end operations is expected.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and improve CNC machining processes for cost, quality, and productivity.
• Develop documentation, work instructions, and process specifications.
• Lead process improvement projects and ROI analyses for capital equipment.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to improve product manufacturability and cost.
• Train supervisors and shop personnel on process changes and requirements.
• Manage capital equipment projects and coordinate with purchasing and install teams.
• Evaluate safety and operational improvements in manufacturing environments.
• Engage installers and operators on the shop floor to troubleshoot issues.

Skills

CNC machining

Process optimization

ROI analysis

Documentation

Training

Collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer MachiningJob Description

This Manufacturing Engineer Machining role focuses on designing, optimizing, and improving machining and related manufacturing processes to ensure products are produced economically while meeting strict fit, form, function, and quality standards. You will collaborate closely with design engineering, shop personnel, and installers/operators to drive process improvements, manage capital equipment projects, and support continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Determine the necessary equipment, tooling, and process design to manufacture products in an economical manner while maintaining fit, form, function, and quality standards.

• Develop, maintain, and provide clear documentation, work instructions, and process specifications for product and process-related information.

• Deliver training and communicate process changes and product requirements effectively to supervisors and shop personnel.

• Collaborate with Design Engineering to improve product designs in order to reduce cost, enhance quality, and increase manufacturability.

• Lead process improvement projects that optimize machining and related manufacturing operations.

• Investigate, evaluate, and recommend the procurement and replacement of capital equipment to improve the manufacturing process, including working through ROI analyses.

• Process Engineering Change Notices in a timely manner and communicate those changes to the appropriate shop personnel.

• Process Engineering Change Requests promptly, thoroughly investigate proposed changes, and ensure recommendations support the best interests of the company.

• Analyze current and proposed manufacturing processes to identify opportunities to improve safety in manufacturing operations.

• Work on front-end CNC machining processes including programming, brake press, and saw operations to support efficient production.

• Partner with purchasing and installation teams when introducing and installing new manufacturing equipment.

• Use computer tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, and AutoCAD (when applicable), to support documentation, analysis, and design activities.

• Engage directly with installers and operators on the shop floor to troubleshoot issues and refine processes.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging Lean Manufacturing principles where applicable.

Essential Skills

• Manufacturing engineering experience in machining environments, with a focus on CNC machining and related processes.

• Ability to design and optimize manufacturing processes to achieve cost, quality, and productivity targets.

• Experience with CNC programming and front-end machining operations such as brake press and saw.

• Capability to lead process improvement projects and manage process engineering activities.

• Experience evaluating and recommending capital equipment, including working through ROI processes.

• Strong skills in processing Engineering Change Notices and Engineering Change Requests in a timely and accurate manner.

• Ability to analyze manufacturing processes to improve safety and operational efficiency.

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with design engineers, supervisors, shop personnel, and operators.

• Strong written and oral communication skills for clear documentation and effective training.

• Good computer skills, including proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet applications.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology, or a related field is required.

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant manufacturing engineering experience preferred, though candidates with less or significantly more experience are also considered.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD is a plus for supporting design and documentation activities.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is a plus and supports continuous improvement efforts.

• Experience in purchasing or collaboration with purchasing teams related to installing new manufacturing equipment is beneficial.

• Comfort working on ROI processes for capital equipment projects.

• Openness to candidates at various experience levels, from entry-level to 10+ years, who demonstrate strong technical aptitude and a desire to learn.

• Ability to engage directly with installers and operators to troubleshoot and refine manufacturing processes.

• Interest in working with innovative and technically interesting products that present varied problem-solving and design requirements.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment that combines office-based engineering work with frequent hands-on interaction on the shop floor. You will often step away from your desk to work directly with installers and operators, troubleshoot machining processes, and observe equipment performance. The team has a high average tenure, offering a stable and knowledgeable group of colleagues and a culture that values collaboration, practical problem-solving, and continuous improvement. The products are technically interesting and provide variety in problem-solving and design requirements. The position offers flexibility with up to 20 remote days, allowing a blend of on-site engagement and remote work for documentation, analysis, and design tasks. You will work with CNC machining equipment, brake presses, saws, and other capital equipment, as well as standard engineering software tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, and AutoCAD. The environment encourages safety, quality, and innovation in manufacturing processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Pontiac, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $115000.00/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.

Company has great benefits please request if needed

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pontiac,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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.