Manufacturing Engineer

This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on developing, improving, and digitizing manufacturing processes within the welding department. You will perform detailed process engineering work, including time studies, process definition, and the creation of 3D and 2D models, while helping transition from paper-based systems to a fully digital manufacturing environment. This position offers the opportunity to lead critical process improvement initiatives in a high-demand manufacturing facility that is investing heavily in modernizing its operations.

• Conduct detailed process engineering work, including time studies, process mapping, and documentation of build processes for welding operations.
• Develop, define, and refine manufacturing processes from start to finish for assigned welding areas, working through one section at a time and then moving to the next.
• Create and manage 3D models and generate accurate 2D drawings and views to support manufacturing and fabrication activities.
• Use CAD tools, including Creo, to zoom in on models, check dimensions, and ensure that all drawings and models meet design and production requirements.
• Learn and use the MRP system to build, maintain, and optimize routings for welding and related manufacturing processes.
• Support the transition from a paper-based process system to a fully digital environment by helping to redesign, standardize, and digitize existing processes.
• Set up and configure digital software systems that support manufacturing workflows, documentation, and process control.
• Collaborate closely with welding and fabrication teams to ensure that processes are practical, efficient, and aligned with production needs, even if you are not a welding engineer.
• Apply principles of manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and lean manufacturing to drive continuous improvement and reduce waste.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement changes that enhance quality, throughput, and consistency in welding and metal fabrication assembly.
• Support catch-up work on existing processes by reviewing current practices, identifying gaps, and bringing legacy processes up to current digital and engineering standards.
• Participate in cross-functional efforts to improve overall manufacturing performance and help lead the initiative to digitize the entire manufacturing process.
• Train on first shift as needed to learn processes and systems, then operate on the assigned shift while maintaining strong communication with other team members.
• Document processes clearly and accurately so that operators, technicians, and other engineers can easily follow and maintain them.
• Contribute to ongoing evaluations of the digital transformation effort, providing feedback and insights that will inform future decisions and improvements.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a closely related field; candidates with at least 3 years of experience may be considered.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering and process engineering, with hands-on experience in process development and improvement.
• Experience with process improvement, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with welding and metal fabrication assembly processes, with the ability to understand and support welding operations even if not a dedicated welding engineer.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, particularly Creo, for creating 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Ability to interpret and verify dimensions and tolerances on 2D and 3D models.
• Experience working with MRP systems to build and manage routings or similar manufacturing data structures.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing floor environment and collaborating closely with production teams.
• Ability to work with reduced supervision, demonstrating initiative and the capability to get up to speed quickly with new processes and systems.

• Experience supporting or leading transitions from paper-based to digital manufacturing process systems.
• background in metal fabrication and weld-related manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success in applying lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools in a production setting.
• Ability to manage multiple process improvement projects across different welding sections or areas.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, modeling, and process definition.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers, welders, operators, and other stakeholders.
• Interest in contributing to a large-scale digitalization initiative within a high-demand manufacturing facility.
• Ability to adapt to evolving processes and to participate in periodic reevaluation of systems and workflows.

This role is based on a manufacturing floor within a high-demand production facility that is investing heavily in digitizing its manufacturing processes. The position is predominantly first shift, with typical first-shift hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. One position is available on first shift and one on second shift. Second-shift hours are generally 3:30 p.m. to midnight, with the potential for approximately 30 minutes of overtime per day or an adjusted schedule such as 4:00 p.m. to midnight or 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Second-shift employees train on first shift initially before moving permanently to second shift. Team members may occasionally be asked to assist on second shift, and this support rotates among the team and does not occur frequently. You will work closely with welding and metal fabrication operations and use technologies such as CAD (including Creo), MRP systems, and digital process software. The environment emphasizes engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration, with the engineering team leading the effort to transition from paper processes to a fully digital system. Benefits include two weeks of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, and one week of sick pay.

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

The pay range for this position is $31.00 - $43.26/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Peoria, IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 22, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Peoria,IL.

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 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.