Manufacturing Project Engineer

Actalent; New Castle (IN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in New Castle, IN, seeks a Manufacturing Project Engineer to lead and support multiple high‑volume automotive seating projects, driving process improvements and new line launches. You will design fixtures in SolidWorks, edit PLCs, and work with Autodesk for plant layouts.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to optimize production and safety. You will apply Lean principles to improve line efficiency, cycle time, and labor utilization while supporting a growing engineering team on

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience managing up to 20 projects concurrently in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience troubleshooting and editing PLCs in production.
• Proficiency with CAD software for fixture/part design (SolidWorks).
• Experience with plant layout tools (Autodesk or similar).
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Implement and refine manufacturing processes to improve plant efficiency.
• Manage up to 20 projects simultaneously, from short initiatives to long production line setups.
• Design fixtures and components using SolidWorks for production.
• Modify and troubleshoot PLCs on the shop floor.
• Perform plant layout work using Autodesk to optimize space and material flow.
• Analyze process flows and layouts to identify improvement opportunities.
• Conduct line balancing and capacity analysis to improve throughput.
• Drive data‑driven improvements in efficiency and cycle time.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives with Lean principles.
• Collaborate with engineers, production teams, and leadership to launch and stabilize lines.
• Document project plans, progress, and results for stakeholders.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

SolidWorks

Autodesk

CAD design

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associates or Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Project Engineer

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to lead and support multiple manufacturing projects in a modern automotive seating facility. As a Manufacturing Project Engineer, you will drive process improvements, support new production line launches, and work hands‑on with equipment and layouts to enhance overall plant efficiency. You will join a collaborative engineering team that is growing to support the addition of new production lines and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Implement and refine manufacturing processes to improve overall plant efficiency and performance.
• Manage up to 20 projects simultaneously, ranging from small three-week initiatives to months-long new production line setups.
• Design parts and components for fixtures using Solidworks to support production and assembly operations.
• Work hands‑on with facility equipment, including troubleshooting and editing PLCs to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Perform plant layout work using Autodesk software to optimize space utilization and material flow.
• Analyze existing process flows, production layouts, and manufacturing methods to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct line balancing and capacity analysis to improve production flow and throughput.
• Improve line efficiency, cycle times, labor utilization, and overall manufacturing performance through data‑driven actions.
• Support and lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles.
• Collaborate closely with other engineers, production teams, and leadership to successfully launch and stabilize new production lines.
• Document project plans, progress, and results to ensure clear communication and alignment with stakeholders.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across the facility.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in a Project Engineering or Project Management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and editing PLCs in a production setting.
• Proficiency in CAD software, preferably Solidworks for fixture and part design.
• Experience using Autodesk or similar software for plant layout and facility design.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of concurrent projects, including prioritization and time management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production flow, and process improvement methodologies.
• Hands‑on approach to working with equipment and production lines.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive improvements in efficiency, cycle time, and labor utilization.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross‑functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience managing large numbers of projects simultaneously (upwards of 20) in a manufacturing environment.
• Balanced experience in both project management and PLC troubleshooting/program modification.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or industrial engineering.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with automotive or high-volume production environments.
• Comfort working with robotic welding systems and multi‑line production operations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, high-volume automotive seat manufacturing facility with approximately 597 employees operating across three shifts. The plant runs over 15 production lines, with most machines being robotic welders used to manufacture steel seat components. The facility is very clean, quiet, and climate‑controlled, providing a comfortable and professional environment for both office and shop‑floor work. You will be part of a growing engineering team of five, working closely with a manager and other engineers on first shift. Core hours are generally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to start as early as 6:30 a.m. and potential for alternative schedules such as TuesdaySaturday, based on mutual agreement and project needs. Weekend work may occasionally be required for large projects, but it is not frequent and is planned in advance. Uniforms are provided and paid for, supporting a consistent and professional dress code. The organization offers world‑class benefits, including two yearly shutdowns that provide a total of 10 days off, with one shutdown period including paid time off. The culture emphasizes associate engagement, internal promotion, and long‑term growth within a fast‑growing automotive company that supports major automotive manufacturers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New Castle, IN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $40.87/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 Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New Castle,IN.

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.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New Castle, IN.