Manufacturing Engineer

This Manufacturing Engineer role supports a large, advanced manufacturing facility that produces high-quality material handling equipment in Columbus, IN. The position focuses on optimizing current manufacturing processes, introducing new technologies, and continuously improving safety, quality, and productivity, with a strong emphasis on welding operations. You will collaborate closely with production teams and leadership to drive lean manufacturing initiatives, reduce environmental impact, and ensure best-in-class results for internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Improve production processes by driving efficiency to make the best use of company resources.
• Proactively identify and lead continuous improvement activities within manufacturing to enhance safety and increase product quality.
• Engage with stakeholders throughout manufacturing to increase operational productivity and deliver strong value to customers.
• Support organizational initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of operations while positively contributing to the surrounding community.
• Support manufacturing teams in investigating and eliminating downtime within assigned areas.
• Develop, implement, and maintain process controls and standardization to deliver consistent, best-in-class results.
• Facilitate lean manufacturing practices within a Toyota Production System environment to improve material flow, optimize inventory levels, reduce lead times, and enhance safety.
• Strive to become the technical expert for the assigned support area and proactively identify and resolve issues before they become problems.
• Collaborate daily with production associates and equipment suppliers to support smooth operations and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support manufacturing and engineering objectives.
• Serve as the technical expert for welding operations in the assigned support area, proactively identifying and implementing improvements for safety, quality, and productivity.
• Interact and collaborate with production associates and leaders to solve complex problems using root cause analysis and implement robust countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
• Resolve product quality issues by interpreting part drawings, reviewing inspection reports, and applying mechanical understanding of interactions between parts, fixtures, and weld processes.
• Support strategic objectives to reduce welding labor hours per unit by applying lean and Toyota Production System principles.
• Complete conceptual and detailed designs for new weld fixtures and modifications to existing fixtures using 3D CAD software to improve safety, quality, and ergonomics.
• Apply hands-on troubleshooting skills to address high-level mechanical issues and basic electrical controls problems related to welding and associated equipment.
• Use hand tools and basic power tools to support fixture development, equipment adjustments, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with machining, forming, and welding operations leadership to align engineering projects with broader manufacturing strategies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology, such as Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Materials, or Chemical Engineering, or an associate degree in a technical field with proven, applicable experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or related roles supporting production operations.
• Ability to analyze layouts and design fixtures and tooling using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, or CATIA.
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills with a willingness to work hands-on with equipment and processes.
• Experience with welding engineering concepts and processes, particularly in a production environment.
• Experience using hand tools and basic power tools in a manufacturing or engineering context.
• Understanding and practical application of lean manufacturing principles, including experience with the Toyota Production System or similar methodologies.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface with all levels of the organization.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Strong work ethic, intrinsic motivation, and the ability to organize work and manage concurrent projects effectively.

• Experience supporting welding operations, including manual and automated GMAW processes.
• Familiarity with Motoman robotic welding equipment is preferred but not required.
• Hands-on troubleshooting experience with high-level mechanical systems and basic electrical controls is preferred.
• Experience with metal fabrication and basic machining processes is preferred.
• Experience in machining, forming, and welding operations within a large manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret part drawings, inspection reports, and mechanical relationships between parts and fixtures.
• Experience implementing process improvement and process control methodologies in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of automated equipment and its integration into manufacturing processes.
• Commitment to lifelong learning, professional development, and continuous process improvement.
• Ability to convey complex technical information in a clear, understandable format for various audiences.

This role is based in a large manufacturing facility in Columbus, IN that includes sheet metal cutting and fabrication, steel saw cutting, CNC machining, press brake and hydraulic press forming, manual and robotic MIG welding, resistance welding, powder coating, painting, assembly, and inspection. You will spend significant time on the production floor working directly with welding, machining, and forming operations, as well as in an office environment for design, analysis, and documentation. The position involves daily interaction with production associates, leaders, and equipment suppliers in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment. Standard work is performed on a salaried basis, with eligibility for overtime at time-and-a-half while on contract. The organization offers paid time off, holidays, and comprehensive benefits while on contract, and, upon conversion to full-time, provides a performance-based annual bonus program, merit increases tied to performance, a 401(k) plan with company match and full vesting after two years, and additional paid time off including comp time during certain shutdown periods. The culture emphasizes lean principles, collaboration, continuous improvement, and a strong focus on safety, quality, and productivity.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $43.27/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $36 - $43