Process Engineer

Job Title: Project Engineer - PowertrainJob Description

This Project Engineer role focuses on developing and optimizing operating process plans for machining and assembling parts within the Powertrain department. You will lead the planning, procurement, installation, trial, and launch of engine and transmission machining or assembly lines, while managing schedules and budgets for your assigned area. The position combines hands-on work on the production floor with cross-functional collaboration to improve manufacturing processes, tools, and standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop operating process plans to machine and assemble parts for the assigned area of the Powertrain department.
• Lead the planning, procurement, installation, trial, and launch of engine and transmission machining or assembly lines.
• Create, manage, and maintain detailed project schedules and budgets for the assigned area.
• Develop and improve standard tools, benchmarks, and methodologies to support manufacturing and process engineering activities.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional working groups across local facilities and corporate departments to achieve project goals.
• Visualize activity plans and schedules in a clear, structured way to facilitate quick consensus-building and secure project priorities.
• Analyze critical manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop effective countermeasure plans.
• Communicate root causes, countermeasures, and project status clearly and proactively to stakeholders.
• Apply production engineering and project management principles to ensure successful implementation of machining and assembly processes.
• Use CAD software, including AutoCAD and 3D CAD tools, to read, interpret, and modify designs and layouts related to manufacturing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing processes using lean manufacturing and process improvement methodologies.
• Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing engineering teams to support mechanical design and process engineering requirements.
• Spend approximately 20% of time on the production floor to observe operations, validate processes, and support implementation activities.
• Work required overtime and travel as needed, both domestically and internationally, to support project launches and manufacturing activities.
• Support weekend and shutdown work periods, such as July and December holidays, when necessary to meet project timelines and production goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent college-level engineering education.
• 3-5 years of post-college experience in process engineering, production engineering, or project engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in process engineering, including schedule and budget management for manufacturing projects.
• Hands-on experience with machining processes and assembly processes, particularly in automotive or powertrain-related manufacturing.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including project scheduling, planning, and execution.
• Proficiency with CAD software, including AutoCAD, with the ability to read, interpret, and modify engineering drawings.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools, with the ability to read and interpret 3D models for manufacturing and process planning.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering and mechanical design within an automotive or similar industrial environment.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop practical countermeasures.
• Ability to work required overtime and travel as needed, both domestically and internationally.
• Flexibility for business travel, both domestic and international, up to approximately 20%.
• Ability to work 45-50 hours per week on average, including some weekend and shutdown periods when required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in project engineering within the automotive industry or a comparable high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Background in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Strong skills in visualizing and presenting activity plans and schedules to support consensus-building and decision-making.
• Comfort working in cross-functional teams across local facilities and corporate departments.
• Ability to balance hands-on floor work with office-based planning and analysis.
• Interest in long-term, stable project work with extensive opportunities to learn and grow in manufacturing and engineering.
• Willingness to travel domestically and, on occasion, internationally (including potential travel to Japan, though this is expected to be limited).

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility within the Powertrain department, combining office-based engineering work with approximately 20% time spent on the production floor. The environment involves close collaboration with production, maintenance, and corporate engineering teams to support machining and assembly lines for engines and transmissions. Typical work hours are 45-50 per week, with occasional weekend and shutdown work (such as July and December holidays) to meet project and production schedules. The position may require business travel up to about 20%, primarily domestic, with limited international travel. The work culture emphasizes flexibility, strong work-life balance, and long-term, stable projects with extensive opportunities to learn and develop. Consultants benefit from paid time off, paid holidays, overtime compensation at time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40, and company-supported travel arrangements. The environment values continuous improvement, cross-functional collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a modern automotive manufacturing setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Buffalo, WV.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $46.00/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 Buffalo,WV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.