Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer - Automotive Die Casting

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced manufacturing engineer with high-pressure automotive die casting expertise to own both day-to-day production support and new product launches. You will improve performance on the die cast production floor, resolve equipment and process issues, and drive overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). At the same time, you will lead key aspects of new programs, from defining equipment needs and writing statements of work to supporting tooling design and capital approval, in a growing and financially stable manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Support daily die cast production operations on the automotive manufacturing floor.
• Attend and actively contribute to morning production meetings, reviewing the previous day's performance and setting priorities for the current day.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve OEE issues on the die cast side of the building to improve uptime, throughput, and quality.
• Troubleshoot equipment downtime and cycle time issues, driving sustainable corrective actions.
• Review and interpret CMM layouts and measurement data to understand part quality and dimensional performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand and meet quality documentation requirements, including those associated with PFMEA and other automotive standards.
• Lead or support new product launch activities for automotive die cast components.
• Help identify and define required equipment and tooling for new programs and design changes.
• Develop clear and detailed statements of work (SOW) for new equipment and capital projects.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor quotes, participate in vendor selection, and support commercial negotiations.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations and other documentation needed to secure corporate approval for capital expenditures.
• Manage equipment procurement and installation activities, ensuring timelines, specifications, and budgets are met.
• Collaborate closely with tooling and die designers to ensure tools, equipment, and processes align to produce robust, high-quality parts for launch.
• Apply lean manufacturing and ergonomic principles to improve processes, workflows, and workstation design.
• Utilize CAD/CAM tools as needed to review models, understand part and tool geometry, and support measurement and process planning.
• Leverage robot and PLC programming knowledge to support automation, troubleshoot issues, and optimize automated processes.
• Communicate effectively with production, engineering, and leadership, including preparing clear documentation and presentations for management.
• Use standard office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, etc.) to document work, analyze data, and manage projects.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and quality on the production floor.

Essential Skills

• High-pressure die casting experience in an automotive manufacturing environment (must have).
• Strong knowledge of die cast processes and equipment.
• 5+ years of experience in an engineering function, preferably in manufacturing or automotive.
• Demonstrated experience supporting production operations and improving OEE, downtime, and cycle time.
• Ability to read and interpret CMM layouts and dimensional reports.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling sufficient to take measurements and understand part and tool geometry.
• Understanding of quality documentation associated with automotive manufacturing, including PFMEA-related requirements.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and ergonomics and their application in a production environment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, including preparing presentations and documentation for management.
• Proficiency with standard computer applications, including MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
• BS degree in a manufacturing-related field or equivalent relevant engineering education.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Automotive die cast experience with exposure to automotive documentation and launch processes.
• CAD/CAM experience and the ability to work with engineering drawings and models.
• Experience with robot programming in a manufacturing or die cast environment.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting automated equipment.
• Ability to organize complex information and create professional, management-ready presentations and project documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfort working cross-functionally with production, maintenance, tooling, quality, and corporate teams.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role, typically working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with the schedule subject to change based on departmental needs. The position is primarily based in an office setting, with frequent work in the production area as required to support operations and launches. The role involves standing and walking, sometimes for extended periods, within manufacturing facilities, as well as sitting and typing at a computer to perform engineering and administrative tasks. You will often handle and inspect parts, including lifting items over 20 pounds, and will be required to visually examine parts and processes, utilizing close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. On the shop floor, you will work in a typical manufacturing environment that includes elevated noise levels, higher temperatures near ovens and during summer months, and proximity to moving equipment. While performing these duties, you may be exposed to risks such as electrical shock and moving mechanical parts. The organization offers a stable, growth-oriented setting with significant new business, multiple new part launches, and ongoing design changes, supported by a long-term, publicly traded ownership structure that reinvests in modern equipment and capital improvements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pleasant Prairie, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.07 - $62.50/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 Pleasant Prairie,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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.