Jr. Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Junior Manufacturing EngineerJob Description

This Junior Manufacturing Engineer role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or early-career professional who wants to develop hands-on skills in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. You will support the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and production systems while collaborating closely with experienced engineers and cross-functional teams. The role offers exposure to production launches, continuous improvement initiatives, and modern manufacturing technologies, providing a strong foundation for a long-term engineering career.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and production systems in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Assist with new production launches, including planning and execution activities to ensure smooth ramp-up of manufacturing operations.
• Contribute to line balancing efforts by analyzing workflows, labor utilization, and equipment capacity to improve efficiency and throughput.
• Participate in workflow analysis and manufacturing layout development to enhance productivity, material flow, and workplace organization.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, safety, and cost reduction within manufacturing operations.
• Assist in the implementation of process improvements and error-proofing (poka-yoke) systems to reduce defects and improve process reliability.
• Gain exposure to prototype builds and support related manufacturing activities, ensuring proper documentation and process readiness.
• Participate in product design reviews from a manufacturing perspective to help identify and resolve potential production issues early in the development cycle.
• Work closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to support daily manufacturing operations and help achieve key performance metrics.
• Assist with the creation, review, and maintenance of PFMEAs (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses), Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Operator Instruction Sheets.
• Help ensure manufacturing documentation is accurate, up to date, and aligned with applicable quality standards such as IATF requirements.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of standard work and operator instructions to support consistent, high-quality production.
• Participate in meetings related to PFMEAs and control plans and assist in updating documents based on engineering changes and process improvements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (such as mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, or a related discipline).
• 0-2 years of experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment; internship or co-op experience is accepted.
• Familiarity with PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and control plans, including participation in related meetings.
• Ability to support process improvement activities focused on quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Interest in and aptitude for working in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for evaluating workflows, labor utilization, and manufacturing layouts.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with production, quality, and engineering teams.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills for creating and updating manufacturing documentation and operator instructions.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing quality standards and compliance concepts, including IATF-related requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Basic CAD knowledge using tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software.
• Internship or co-op experience in the automotive industry.
• Experience assisting with or updating PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Operator Instruction Sheets.
• Exposure to prototype builds, product design reviews, and new manufacturing technologies.
• Interest in error-proofing (poka-yoke) systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Motivation to learn and grow through on-the-job experience and structured training opportunities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing facility, working closely with production, quality, and engineering teams on the shop floor and in office settings. The standard schedule is approximately 45 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The environment involves working around manufacturing equipment, production lines, and tooling, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Team members have the opportunity to gain practical experience and access online learning resources such as Udemy after six months, supporting ongoing professional development. The culture emphasizes collaboration, hands-on problem solving, and supporting key performance metrics in a structured, process-driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lansing, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $41.35/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lansing,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 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 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 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.