Manufacturing Engineer @ Actalent

Job Title: Manufacturing Cost EngineerJob DescriptionWe are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Cost Engineer to develop, analyze, and maintain detailed manufacturing cost estimates for new and existing products, processes, and projects. In this role, you support quoting, production planning, and cost-reduction initiatives by evaluating materials, labor, machining processes, equipment, routings, and manufacturing methods to ensure accurate pricing and profitable operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive manufacturing cost estimates for new and existing products, processes, and projects.
• Analyze materials, labor, machining processes, equipment, and manufacturing methods to determine accurate cost structures.
• Support the quoting process by preparing cost-based estimates that enable competitive and profitable pricing.
• Collaborate with production planning to align cost estimates with routings, capacity, and resource utilization.
• Maintain and update cost models, routings, and bills of material to reflect current processes and pricing.
• Interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, routings, and manufacturing specifications to build accurate cost estimates.
• Evaluate machining processes such as milling, turning, grinding, EDM, and tooling to determine appropriate cycle times and cost impacts.
• Conduct time studies and analyze workflows to validate labor standards and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Use ERP systems and Excel to extract, analyze, and manage cost data, routings, and BOM information.
• Identify and recommend process improvements that reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining quality and throughput.
• Partner with manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, and production teams to refine methods and optimize cost performance.
• Provide clear documentation and communication of cost assumptions, methodologies, and results to stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in manufacturing cost estimating, quoting, or developing cost models.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, routings, and manufacturing specifications accurately.
• Strong understanding of machining and manufacturing processes, including milling, turning, grinding, EDM, tooling, and common production methods.
• Hands-on experience working with ERP systems to manage cost data, routings, and BOMs.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced analysis of cost and production data.
• Background in manufacturing engineering, cost engineering, industrial engineering, production planning, or process improvement.
• Experience conducting time studies and analyzing manufacturing processes for cost and efficiency.
• Solid analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in cost calculations and documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in engineering, production, and operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Education or training in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting cost-reduction initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Familiarity with standard costing, routing optimization, and manufacturing methods analysis.
• Strong communication skills to present cost findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates within a manufacturing and engineering-focused environment that relies on ERP systems and advanced Excel analysis to manage and optimize cost data, routings, and bills of material. You collaborate closely with manufacturing, industrial engineering, and production planning teams and spend time reviewing engineering drawings, process routings, and machining methods such as milling, turning, grinding, EDM, and tooling. The work involves a mix of office-based analytical tasks and engagement with production processes to understand real-world methods, time studies, and process improvements. The environment emphasizes accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement to support competitive quoting and profitable operations.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Canton, OH.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $52.00/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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in North Canton,OH.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.