Manufacturing Engineering Assistant

Actalent; Illinois; On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Simple IRA with 100% match up to 3%

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Pontiac, IL is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Assistant to support the engineering team with day-to-day tasks and CAD-related activities. This entry-level role is ideal for recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in manufacturing and steel fabrication within a small, family-owned environment.

You will review drawings, perform measurements, and help maintain engineering documentation while collaborating closely with production staff to ensure smooth coordination between

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Basic CAD exposure and ability to navigate drawings.
• Ability to read, navigate, and dimension drawings.
• Comfortable with daily computer use and data entry.
• Interest in manufacturing and steel fabrication.
• Ability to work well in a team in a shop-focused environment.
• Strong attention to detail for measurements and technical docs.

Responsibilities

• Support Manufacturing Engineers with day-to-day tasks to assist workload on new projects and customers.
• Use CAD software to pull and review files, navigate drawings, and support documentation.
• Review and interpret drawings, taking measurements and dimensions accurately.
• Assist with creating, updating, and organizing manufacturing process documentation.
• Work with steel material specifications and basic fabrication concepts in daily tasks.
• Enter, update, and retrieve data within the ERP system with training provided.

Skills

CAD experience

Reading drawings

Data entry

Team player

Manufacturing interest

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD software

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

Join our team in Forrest, IL!

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineering Assistant

Job Description

The Manufacturing Engineering Assistant supports the engineering team by handling day-to-day engineering tasks, allowing engineers to focus on complex projects and customer needs. This role is ideal for a recent high school graduate or early-career professional with basic CAD exposure and a strong interest in manufacturing and steel fabrication. The position offers hands-on experience with CAD, manufacturing processes, and engineering support in a small, family-owned company that provides clear opportunities for growth into a full Manufacturing Engineer role.

Responsibilities

• Support Manufacturing Engineers with day-to-day engineering tasks to help manage workload related to new projects and customers.
• Use CAD software to pull and review files, navigate drawings, and support engineering documentation.
• Review and interpret drawings, including taking measurements and dimensions accurately.
• Assist with creating, updating, and organizing manufacturing process documentation.
• Work with steel material specifications and apply basic fabrication concepts in daily tasks.
• Enter, update, and retrieve data within the ERP system, with training provided as needed.
• Perform general computer-based tasks to support both engineering and production activities.
• Collaborate with team members in a shop-focused environment to ensure smooth coordination between engineering and manufacturing.
• Provide general support to the engineering department as workload grows with new customers and projects.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic CAD experience, including the ability to use CAD software to navigate and review drawings.
• Ability to read, navigate, and dimension drawings, with a focus on interpretation rather than design creation.
• Comfortable working on a computer daily and performing data entry and general computer-based tasks.
• Interest in manufacturing, steel fabrication, and engineering support work.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, shop-focused environment.
• Strong attention to detail when taking measurements, dimensions, and working with technical documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to manufacturing processes and manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with steel material specifications and basic fabrication concepts.
• Willingness to learn ERP systems and new software tools with provided training.
• Motivation to grow into a Manufacturing Engineer role over time.
• Strong organizational skills to help manage documentation and engineering workload.
• Good communication skills to collaborate with engineers, production staff, and other team members.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very rural area within a clean and well-maintained facility. The position primarily operates in an office environment, with occasional time spent on the shop floor as needed, though not frequently. The company is a small, family-owned organization that offers a supportive, team-oriented, and shop-focused culture. Employees have access to multiple health insurance plan options for employees and families with a high portion of employee premiums covered, as well as dental, vision, supplemental insurance options, and an employer-provided life insurance policy. A Simple IRA is available with a 100% match up to 3%. The company supports professional growth through tuition reimbursement for qualified job-related classes and provides opportunities for overtime pay. Employees receive six paid holidays per year and accrue paid time off, starting at two weeks for 1–2 years of service, three weeks for 3–5 years, and four weeks for six or more years. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, safety, and a collaborative culture that supports long-term development in manufacturing and engineering.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pontiac, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/hr.

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 Insura