Production Engineer

Actalent; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Employee & dependents)

Short and long-term disability

HSA option

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Production Engineer for its Frankfort, KY operations. The role focuses on evaluating and enhancing production processes, supporting new product development, and implementing changes to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

The position offers exposure to capital projects, tooling, PFMEA, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will have a strong background in automotive manufacturing, PFMEA, and process improvement, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 13 years of manufacturing experience in automotive components.
• Experience managing projects from design through production implementation.
• Experience with PFMEA (Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis).
• Knowledge of stamping, forming, welding, and painting processes.

Responsibilities

• Create and evaluate process plans for new manufacturing processes.
• Assist in developing new product designs and production processes.
• Review plant layouts and equipment specifications to optimize operations.
• Lead supplier selection for tooling and equipment sourcing.
• Control and track project budgets and related financial activities.
• Develop reports and documentation to support engineering teams.
• Coach and support team members on production processes and best practices.
• Collect and maintain data for production programs to support decisions.
• Coordinate equipment specifications with manufacturing plants.
• Participate in design, construction, and installation of new tools.

Skills

Manufacturing process understanding

PFMEA

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Process improvement

Ability to read drawings

GD&T knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independent working

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Production Engineer Job Description The Production Engineer evaluates and enhances current and proposed production processes, supports new product development, and implements design and process changes that improve manufacturing safety, quality, and productivity. This role offers broad exposure to capital projects, equipment launches, PFMEA, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives, making it ideal for engineers who want to grow beyond day-to-day process support. Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Create and evaluate process plans and production preparation plans for new manufacturing processes.
• Assist in developing new product designs and production processes that meet safety, quality, and performance requirements.
• Review and evaluate process flow diagrams, facility layouts, work combinations, and equipment specifications to optimize manufacturing operations.
• Lead supplier selection activities for tooling and equipment sourcing, including technical evaluations.
• Control and track project budgets and related financial activities to ensure projects remain on target.
• Develop reports and documentation that support the growth and development of the Production Engineering team.
• Coach and support team members on production processes, best practices, and continuous improvement methods.
• Collect, organize, and maintain data for current and future production programs to support decision-making.
• Coordinate equipment specifications and agreements with manufacturing plants to ensure alignment with production needs.
• Participate in and guide the design, construction, and installation of new tools and equipment.
• Analyze and resolve production preparation issues in a timely manner to support successful product launches.
• Report production preparation status to Production Engineering leadership and related departments.
• Modify existing equipment, tooling, and process designs to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose production and quality issues, monitor ongoing production data, and implement process improvements.
• Support tooling and equipment procurement activities, including vendor investigations, pricing reviews, delivery scheduling, and technical support coordination.
• Provide technical support and training to production groups and create or revise technical work instructions.
• Conduct and document manufacturing trials, process development activities, technical problem-solving efforts, and dimensional issue resolution.
• Participate in meetings related to product design, technical issues, production concerns, safety initiatives, and quality improvements.
• Apply PFMEA, root cause analysis, and other problem-solving methodologies to reduce risk and improve process robustness.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S and Kaizen to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Support demanding automotive customer requirements by maintaining high standards of quality, delivery, and responsiveness.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 13 years of manufacturing experience in automotive components, including stamping, assembly, tooling, welding, or related manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing projects from design through production implementation.
• Experience with PFMEA (Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis).
• Basic knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, manufacturing practices, and steel fabrication methods, including stamping, forming, welding, and painting.
• Understanding of industrial equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read component, assembly, and equipment drawings.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and Internet applications.
• Ability to program and troubleshoot production machinery and equipment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong mathematical aptitude.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, vendors, production operators, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain effective under pressure and support demanding automotive customer requirements.
• Manufacturing or production engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated capability in process improvement and problem solving.
• Ability to walk moderate distances throughout the plant and climb a limited number of stairs.
• Ability to stand, walk, reach, and use hands frequently, and occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and balance.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds and up to 25 pounds.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in automotive manufacturing, particularly components production.
• Experience in roll forming, tooling, and welding within the metals industry.
• Experience with CAD design and equipment procurement.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, including 5S and Kaizen.
• Experience with budget management and cost control for engineering projects.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Experience in new product development from concept through launch.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing reports, work instructions, and technical documentation.

Work Environment

This role is based primarily in a manufacturing environment, with regular use of standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, copiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The position involves walking moderate distances throughout the plant and climbing a limited number of stairs, with frequent standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands, and occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, or balance. The work may involve exposure to airborne particles and fumes, moving mechanical parts and equipment, vibration, and loud manufacturing noise. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM, with occasional evening and weekend work based on business needs. The environment emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration across production and engineering teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Frankfort, KY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/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 to Hire position based out of Frankfort, KY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Frankfort,KY. 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.