Manufacturing Engineer Lead

Overview

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

We are seeking a seasoned Manufacturing Engineer to troubleshoot and resolve complex manufacturing issues impacting production efficiency and quality. The role involves driving strategic process improvements using Lean methodologies to optimize throughput and reduce waste. You will develop and implement long-term manufacturing strategies and oversee the design and validation of tooling, fixtures, and automation systems to support high-volume, low-defect production.

• Drive strategic process improvements using Lean methodologies to optimize throughput and reduce waste.
• Develop and implement long-term manufacturing strategies.
• Oversee design and validation of tooling, fixtures, and automation systems to support high-volume, low-defect production.
• Manage cross-functional projects involving R&D, quality assurance, and operations.
• Establish and maintain process control systems, including statistical process control (SPC) and failure mode analysis.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Manufacturing Engineers and production teams.
• Evaluate and select manufacturing technologies and equipment to improve scalability and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors on technical specifications, qualification, and continuous improvement of materials.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards across all manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain documentation for processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives through design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and process optimization.
• Serve as technical authority for manufacturing during new product development.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with leadership in process improvement.
• Ability to lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Project management skills.
• Expertise in tooling design, automation, and process validation for high-volume production.
• Experience with control plans, PFMEA, and structured problem solving (5-Why, fishbone).
• Controls familiarity:
  Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, industrial sensors, or basic ladder logic review.
• Expert-level design-for-manufacturability/assembly (DFM/DFA).

• Leadership of cross-functional CI initiatives and major capital projects (> $250k).
• Experience with composites and adhesives.
• ERP/MES integration experience for routings, BOMs, serialization/traceability, and shop-floor data capture.
• Advanced statistics and data tool knowledge: DOE (screening/optimization), reliability analysis, and proficiency with data analysis/reporting.
• Regulatory/quality fluency: ISO 9001/AS9100 systems, ITAR/EAR, document control/change management, and QCP alignment for configuration-controlled products.

This role offers the opportunity to oversee a fast-paced manufacturing environment that directly impacts lives. The facility has been recently remodeled, featuring a game room area and an extremely clean working environment. Expect to spend 60% of your time on the floor and 40% at your desk, helping set up machines, CNC cutting, paint lines, and injection molding. This is a dynamic setting where processes are not clearly defined, so adaptability and a willingness to navigate ambiguity are key.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH.

The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $53.00/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)
• Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland,OH.

Final date to receive applications This position is anticipated to close on Feb 4, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color,…