Manufacturing Engineering Manager @ Actalent

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineering ManagerJob DescriptionThe Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads a high-performing manufacturing engineering team responsible for developing, improving, and supporting production processes and technologies. This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction, drives continuous improvement across manufacturing operations, and partners closely with cross-functional teams to ensure products are designed for manufacturability and successfully transitioned into production. The position combines hands-on involvement with manufacturing processes, leadership of engineers and technicians, and ownership of key initiatives that enhance safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team by setting clear priorities, allocating resources, and aligning efforts with overall Engineering, Operations, and business objectives.
• Provide strong technical leadership, coaching, mentoring, and accountability to engineers and technical team members, actively developing their skills and capabilities.
• Establish measurable objectives for the manufacturing engineering function and ensure team resources focus on the highest-priority business needs.
• Lead the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing and assembly processes, equipment, tooling, fixtures, and production methods.
• Partner with Operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, throughput, capacity, and manufacturing cost across production lines.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, data analysis, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methods to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, and deliver measurable process improvements.
• Collaborate with New Product Engineering and cross-functional teams to ensure new products are designed for manufacturability and can be efficiently produced at scale.
• Lead manufacturing engineering activities for new product introduction, including process development, tooling and equipment selection, capacity planning, and production readiness.
• Identify, justify, and implement manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, equipment, and capital investments that improve current operations and support future business needs.
• Work closely with Operations, Quality, EHS, Supply Chain, and Engineering to resolve manufacturing issues and implement sustainable, long-term improvements.
• Support manufacturing-related safety and ergonomic initiatives, quality investigations, supplier improvement efforts, and corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide technical leadership on significant manufacturing projects and effectively communicate priorities, risks, progress, and results to stakeholders across the organization.
• Drive accountability and a strong sense of urgency within the team to meet tight deadlines, maintain production line uptime, and deliver projects on schedule.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and procedures are well-documented, robust, and compliant with internal standards and applicable requirements.
• Collaborate with testing and validation teams to support verification of new designs and ensure smooth integration into existing manufacturing processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 710 years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 35 years of experience supervising engineers, technicians, or other technical professionals.
• Demonstrated experience developing and improving manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, fixtures, and production systems.
• Proven experience supporting New Product Introduction and transitioning products from development into full production.
• Hands-on background with automation and manufacturing processes such as welding, CNC machining, rollers, lasers, presses, and assembly procedures.
• Working knowledge of various presses, automated tools, torque values, and related production equipment.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to improve manufacturing performance.
• Experience with capital equipment justification, implementation, automation, and manufacturing technology.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide technical direction, drive accountability, and develop team members.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Operations, and other functions.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing challenges, apply structured problem-solving techniques, and translate opportunities into practical solutions and measurable business results.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, automation, and production systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, Bills of Materials, equipment specifications, and technical documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Masters degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience with assembly, fabrication, welding, machining, or similar manufacturing processes.
• Experience with engineering and design software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or comparable 2D/3D CAD systems.
• Formal certifications in Six Sigma, Lean, or other relevant technical or operational disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from various technical and operational backgrounds.
• Strong coaching and mentoring abilities, with a track record of developing people and building high-performing teams.
• Ability to maintain a strong sense of urgency and personal accountability while fostering mutual accountability within the team.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a mixed office and production environment, requiring regular movement between engineering workspaces and manufacturing areas. The position involves occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, squatting, and the ability to maintain a full range of motion. While performing the duties of this job, you will frequently sit or stand, use your hands to handle or touch equipment and materials, walk within the facility, and communicate clearly with team members.

Occasional domestic and international travel may be required to support manufacturing operations, suppliers, or project initiatives. The culture emphasizes close collaboration, a family-like team atmosphere, and strong cross-functional relationships, with opportunities to work on a variety of tasks including new product development, testing and validation, and continuous improvement of existing production processes.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Oconomowoc, WI.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $140000.00/yr. 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.401k, health, dental, vision

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Oconomowoc,WI.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 [email protected] 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.