Engineering Manager

Job Title:

Engineering Supervisor (Manufacturing & Process) Job Description The Engineering Manager (Manufacturing & Process) serves as the technical leader for defining manufacturing processes, improving existing equipment, and driving product quality in a high-volume, single-piece flow environment. This role provides day-to-day engineering support to production, works closely with Maintenance and Quality teams, and leads continuous improvement and automation initiatives. This role supports New Product Introduction (NPI) launches, mentors manufacturing engineers, and ensures compliance with applicable defense and internal standards while helping build a strong lean and continuous improvement culture. Responsibilities Provide day-to-day engineering support for single-piece flow manufacturing lines to ensure stable, efficient, and reliable operations. Define, document, and optimize manufacturing processes in collaboration with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams. Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process definitions, and control plans that support consistent, repeatable production. Lead improvements to existing equipment to enhance product quality, improve consistency, reduce scrap, and increase equipment reliability. Ensure production lines operate without interruptions by identifying and addressing process weaknesses, bottlenecks, and equipment issues. Partner closely with the Maintenance team to align on reliability improvement strategies and preventive maintenance actions. Oversee the installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment for new products, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) and internal standards. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by integrating new products and processes into existing production lines and ensuring smooth ramp-up to full production. Validate new processes and equipment to confirm they meet quality, performance, and reliability requirements before full deployment. Implement robust process controls to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to SQDIP priorities (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Productivity). Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including structured events and Lean activities, to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize cycle times. Collaborate with Value Stream Managers to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities across the production value stream. Lead or support automation initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and improve process robustness. Supervise, mentor, and develop Manufacturing Engineers, including providing coaching on technical skills, lean principles, and continuous improvement tools. Train manufacturing engineers in lean manufacturing concepts, structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement methodologies. Apply structured problem-solving techniques, including root cause analysis, to resolve quality and process issues and prevent recurrence. Manage and support engineering projects related to equipment improvements, upgrades, and process changes, ensuring they are delivered on time and within scope. Ensure adherence to DoD security and compliance requirements in all engineering and process activities. Effectively operate in an environment with evolving processes and limited structure, helping to define and standardize processes over time. Spend approximately half of the time on the production floor and half at the desk, balancing hands-on support with documentation, analysis, and project work. Provide leadership to at least one direct report, such as a Manufacturing Engineer, and help build an effective, high-performing engineering team. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering. 8+ years of experience in process and manufacturing engineering within a high-volume manufacturing environment. Experience providing engineering support in a single-piece flow or similar production environment. Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices. Experience participating in or supporting structured improvement events and lean initiatives. Project management skills for planning and executing equipment improvements, upgrades, and process changes. Previous leadership experience supervising or leading engineering personnel. Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) launches and integrating new products into existing production lines. Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) compliance standards. Strong technical expertise in manufacturing processes, including process definition, process control, and equipment reliability. Ability to lead root cause analysis and structured problem-solving using methods such as 5 Whys (5Y) and 8 Disciplines (8D). Experience with continuous improvement tools and methodologies. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with evolving processes and some ambiguity. Strong communication skills to collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and Value Stream Managers. Ability to train and mentor manufacturing engineers in lean concepts and continuous improvement tools. Additional Skills & Qualifications Master's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, including implementation of structured events and 5S practices. Experience with process improvement initiatives focused on productivity, scrap reduction, and cycle time optimization. Manufacturing PLC programming or working knowledge of automated equipment control systems. Experience in a high-volume environment producing safety-critical or life-impacting products. Comfort working in environments where processes are not yet fully defined and helping to establish structure and standards. Strong organizational and documentation skills for developing work instructions, control plans, and process documentation. Work Environment The facility has been recently remodeled and offers an extremely clean manufacturing environment, including a game room area that supports a positive and engaging workplace culture. The Engineering Manager can expect to spend approximately 50% of their time on the production floor, working hands-on with processes and equipment, and 50% at a desk performing analysis, documentation, and project planning. The culture values continuous improvement, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a strong sense of purpose, as the products directly impact and protect lives. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/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.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 21, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.