Process 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

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Planning Engineer for a contract role based in Chattanooga, TN. The position focuses on managing manufacturing projects in an automotive environment with equal emphasis on hands-on work and desk planning.

Responsibilities include pre-planning, specification development, vendor selection, installation, commissioning and handover to production, plus ongoing optimization and change management. Strong communication and project management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree required or equivalent.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive experience is a plus).
• Project management experience preferred.
• Vendor management experience is beneficial.
• CAD simulations knowledge desired (Catia or MicroStation).

Responsibilities

• Manage planning and execution of automotive manufacturing projects.
• Balance hands-on and desk-based planning (50/50).
• Develop pre-planning, specification development and vendor selection.
• Coordinate installation, commissioning, and handover to production.
• Support post-release improvements and change management.
• Create KPI-driven improvement plans and monitor performance.
• Prepare reports and communications for Sr. management, including international stakeholders.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Project management

Vendor management

CAD simulations

Catia

MicroStation

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Catia

MicroStation

Job description

Job Title: Planning Engineer 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. 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&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)

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chattanooga, TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 24, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chattanooga,TN.

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.