Planning Engineer

ACTalent; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Planning Engineer for a contract position based out of Chattanooga, TN. The role balances hands-on project work with desk analysis to drive manufacturing improvements in an automotive environment.

The ideal candidate holds an engineering degree and experience in manufacturing, preferably automotive, with proven project management and vendor coordination skills. You will develop specs, manage investments, and monitor KPIs to deliver best-in-class production systems.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree required.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive experience a plus).
• Project management experience preferred.
• Vendor management experience preferred.
• CAD simulations knowledge required; Catia or MicroStation experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Manage automotive equipment projects and investments.
• Develop new manufacturing equipment specifications for features.
• Vendor selection and coordination with maintenance and production teams.
• Install, commission, and handover equipment; release to production.
• Prepare reports and communications for senior management.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Support safety, quality, cost, and productivity across production areas.
• Coordinate with Germany and other departments as required.
• Lead change management and documentation.

Skills

Project Management

Vendor management

CAD simulations

Catia

MicroStation

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Education

Engineering Degree

Tools

Catia

MicroStation

Job description

Description

The Planning Engineer will be responsible for managing projects in an automotive manufacturing environment. The position is 50% hands on and 50% behind a desk.

Job Title: Planning Engineer

The Planning Engineer will be responsible for managing projects in an automotive manufacturing environment. The position is 50% hands on and 50% behind a desk.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Planning Concept / Invest (New model & model change manufacturing equipment upgrades and investment estimations)
• Specification Development (Develop new manufacturing equipment specifications for new and existing features)
• Vendor selection
• Installation, Commissioning, Handover
• Release to Production
• Post Release Stand‑by support
• Change Management / Documentation
• Continual improvement
• Supporting Maintenance and Production
• Create a continuous improvement environment to develop best in class production system
• Coordinate activities with the maintenance and production team to minimize production delays due to equipment issues
• Develop systems to meet KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and analyze data to monitor performance and plan improvements
• Identify requirements for vehicle structure to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost in all departments within the automotive facility
• Monitor safety, quality, cost, and productivity, with improvement activities for assigned areas of production
• Complete projects on schedule and within the annual administrative, operational, and capital budgets
• Provide direction and assistance to analyze production issues, propose countermeasures, and resolve issues
• Collaborate with other production departments, quality, pilot hall, R&D, production control, and engineering to provide best in class product quality
• Implement training plans to improve overall organizational capability production departments
• Lead Engineering activities in processing model changes/ investigation
• Prepare clear and well-written communications on behalf of sr management, both within & to outside recipients, including Germany as required.
• Prepare & coordinate various reports, presentations & documents with the departments by gathering data and/or preparing PowerPoint slides

Requirements

• Engineering Degree
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive experience is a plus)

Experience As Manufacturing/Process/Mechanical/Project Engineer Is Preferred

• Project Management experience
• Vendor management
• CAD simulations
• Knowledge of Catia or MicroStation is preferred
• Continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $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&DD 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)

• 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&DD 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 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chattanooga,TN.

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.