Powertrain Process Engineer - Project & Lean Optimization

Actalent; West Virginia; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Project Engineer – Powertrain to lead the planning, installation, and launch of engine and transmission machining or assembly lines. You will manage schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams to optimize operating processes for manufacturing parts within Powertrain.

You will use CAD tools (AutoCAD, 3D CAD) to interpret designs, drive lean improvements, and balance hands-on floor work with office planning. Some travel and overtime required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent college-level engineering education.
• 3–5 years of post-college experience in process engineering, production engineering, or project engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in process engineering, including schedule and budget management for manufacturing projects.
• Hands-on experience with machining processes and assembly processes, particularly in automotive or powertrain-related manufacturing.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including project scheduling, planning, and execution.
• Proficiency with CAD software, including AutoCAD, with the ability to read, interpret, and modify engineering drawings.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools, with the ability to read and interpret 3D models for manufacturing and process planning.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering and mechanical design within an automotive or similar industrial environment.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop practical countermeasures.
• Ability to work required overtime and travel as needed, both domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop operating process plans to machine and assemble parts for the assigned area of the Powertrain department.
• Lead the planning, procurement, installation, trial, and launch of engine and transmission machining or assembly lines.
• Create, manage, and maintain detailed project schedules and budgets for the assigned area.
• Develop and improve standard tools, benchmarks, and methodologies to support manufacturing and process engineering activities.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional working groups across local facilities and corporate departments to achieve project goals.
• Visualize activity plans and schedules in a clear, structured way to facilitate quick consensus-building and secure project priorities.
• Analyze critical manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop effective countermeasure plans.
• Communicate root causes, countermeasures, and project status clearly and proactively to stakeholders.
• Apply production engineering and project management principles to ensure successful implementation of machining and assembly processes.
• Use CAD software, including AutoCAD and 3D CAD tools, to read, interpret, and modify designs and layouts related to manufacturing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing processes using lean manufacturing and process improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing engineering teams to support mechanical design and process engineering requirements.
• Spend approximately 20% of time on the production floor to observe operations, validate processes, and support implementation activities.
• Work required overtime and travel as needed, both domestically and internationally, to support project launches and manufacturing activities.
• Support weekend and shutdown work periods, such as July and December holidays, when necessary to meet project timelines and production goals.

Skills

Engineering degree

3-5 years experience

Process engineering

Machining & assembly

Project management

AutoCAD

3D CAD

Automotive manufacturing

3D modeling interpretation

Overtime willingness

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Project Engineer – Powertrain to lead the planning, installation, and launch of engine and transmission machining or assembly lines. You will manage schedules, budgets, and cross-functional teams to optimize operating processes for manufacturing parts within Powertrain.

You will use CAD tools (AutoCAD, 3D CAD) to interpret designs, drive lean improvements, and balance hands-on floor work with office planning. Some travel and overtime required.