Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer (Level II)

This role carries full manufacturing responsibility for guiding products from prototype through pilot and into full production, ensuring robust, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineer uses structured problem-solving and statistical tools to drive continuous improvement, supports new product introduction and transitional manufacturing activities, and partners closely with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturability, testability, and overall product performance.

Responsibilities

• Take full manufacturing responsibility for assigned products, leading them through prototype, pilot, and production builds while ensuring stable and efficient processes.
• Oversee the implementation of customer documentation changes and internal change orders, ensuring accurate and timely updates to manufacturing documentation and processes.
• Report regularly on the status of new product launch (NPL) activities, including readiness, risks, and progress against milestones.
• Use statistical tools to lead quality improvement initiatives within the customer team, identifying trends, root causes, and opportunities for process optimization.
• Drive internal and external corrective action plans, ensuring issues are clearly defined, root causes are identified, and sustainable corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Actively participate in new customer development and new business development activities by providing manufacturing input on feasibility, cost, and process capability.
• Analyze line return information and production feedback to understand manufacturing process issues and drive appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform product-level engineering tasks as required to support ongoing production and continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and collaborate with Test Engineering on Design for Testability (DFT) to ensure products are optimized for efficient manufacturing and testing.
• Assist in developing project proposals and associated cost estimates, providing accurate manufacturing inputs on labor, materials, processes, and equipment.
• Execute product transitional manufacturing requirements and process approaches, ensuring smooth transitions from development to volume production.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of customer products as required to support transitional activities and ongoing production support.
• Document and solve moderately complex cross-functional issues using structured problem-solving tools, ensuring clear communication and follow-through across departments.
• Prepare and maintain clear work instructions, process documentation, and related manufacturing documentation to support consistent, high-quality production.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders through written reports, presentations, and meetings to convey status, issues, and recommendations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 1+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer in a production setting.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and manufacturing process development and support.
• Demonstrated ability to solve and document moderately complex cross-departmental issues using structured problem-solving tools.
• Engineering-level understanding of electronic components, circuits, and systems or mechanical components and systems, depending on education and experience.
• Hands-on experience with continuous improvement, including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience supporting or working with medical device or similarly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong process improvement skills, including identification, analysis, and implementation of improvements in manufacturing operations.
• Project management capability to support proposals, transitions, and ongoing manufacturing initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to internal and external customers.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse groups and functions.
• Effective multitasking skills and the ability to take on additional responsibilities as required.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills, with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, exercising discretion, independent judgment, and professionalism.
• Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong customer service orientation and client focus.
• Working knowledge of productivity tools, including Microsoft Office products and WebEx or similar conferencing software.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and collaboration with Test Engineering on Design for Testability (DFT).
• Experience in assembly processes and development of work instructions for production teams.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Lean Six Sigma practices applied to production environments.
• Experience in medical device manufacturing or other highly regulated industries is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to document and resolve moderate to complex cross-functional challenges using structured problem-solving tools.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift and new responsibilities may arise.
• Experience preparing or contributing to project proposals and cost estimates for manufacturing projects.

Work Environment

This position is based in Rochester, MN, within a production-focused manufacturing environment that supports products from prototype through full-scale manufacturing. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, test, and production, in a setting that emphasizes continuous improvement, structured problem solving, and collaboration. The environment leverages standard productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and WebEx for communication, reporting, and remote collaboration. The role involves regular interaction on the manufacturing floor to observe processes, support builds, and implement improvements, as well as office-based work for analysis, documentation, and project coordination.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Winona, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $45.00/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 Winona, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 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 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, 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.