Operational Excellence Engineer/Manager

Operational Excellence Engineer/Manager - Production Engineer

Overview

The Production Engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance within a manufacturing environment. This role drives Lean Manufacturing efforts, process optimization, and operational excellence projects across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct Value Stream Mapping and process improvement projects.
• Improve productivity, quality, cost, and capacity performance.
• Analyze KPIs and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Support standard work, visual management, and daily management systems.
• Train and coach teams on Lean principles and problem-solving tools.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and leadership teams to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 5 years of manufacturing, industrial, or process engineering experience.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and process improvement tools.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive change.

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience in metal stamping or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Work Environment Manufacturing setting with a mix of shop floor and office work. .

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of University Park, IL.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $68.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in University Park,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.

Salary : $50 - $68