Production Engineer

Job Title: Production EngineerJob Description

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Production Engineer who thrives on the production floor and enjoys a hands-on role in resolving operational challenges. In this position, you support daily manufacturing operations, drive process optimization, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to enhance productivity and product quality. You apply lean manufacturing principles, interpret engineering drawings, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen overall manufacturing performance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a consistent and visible presence in the production facility to support day-to-day manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with production teams to resolve workflow issues, identify inefficiencies, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Interpret engineering drawings and schematics to assist with troubleshooting equipment and resolving technical problems.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, streamline processes, and improve overall production efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including evaluating and adopting new tools, methods, and best practices.
• Identify design and build issues on production equipment and products, and generate Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) to address them.
• Manage and maintain engineering documentation, including ECRs, document revisions, work instructions, and process improvement reports.
• Participate in recurring cross-functional meetings to support production deadlines, product development efforts, and engineering priorities.
• Monitor key manufacturing metrics such as production time and downtime to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure adherence to established engineering processes, standards, and documentation requirements within the manufacturing environment.
• Support a fast-paced design and manufacturing process by taking initiative, being hands-on, and actively contributing to company goals.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology.
• At least 5 years of experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and production issues.
• Experience with production processes and manufacturing engineering practices.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics for troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Basic understanding of Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and engineering change order processes.
• Hands-on approach to problem solving in a production environment.
• Knowledge of process engineering and process improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing concepts and continuous improvement in a production context.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical and process-related issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with production, engineering, and other departments.
• Experience working on continuous improvement projects and applying lean manufacturing principles.
• OSHA 30 Certification is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced design and manufacturing environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfort with hands-on work on the production floor and willingness to take action to support operational goals.
• Interest in custom, specialized manufacturing and equipment design.
• Motivation to contribute to innovative engineering solutions and think creatively to solve complex problems.

Work Environment

This role is based in a third-generation, family-owned manufacturing company that produces specialized drilling rigs and equipment for water well, geothermal, exploration, and shallow oil and gas applications. The organization has a close-knit team of approximately 35 employees and is located near downtown Indianapolis, offering a convenient and attractive location. You join a six-member engineering team that values reliability, innovation, and the use of the latest technologies, with a culture that encourages thinking outside the box and tackling exciting new challenges. The standard work schedule is a first shift from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET, Monday through Friday, with a 40-hour work week and the potential for some overtime after transitioning to a full-time role. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, with a strong focus on designing and building reliable equipment capable of operating in demanding conditions. The company offers flexible vacation time and hours, strong employee medical benefits, and a culture that supports continuous learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $40.87/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 Indianapolis,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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.