Sr. Manufacturing Enigneer

Job Title: Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer to support major capital projects, manufacturing expansion initiatives, automation implementation, and continuous improvement efforts across our production operations. This individual will serve as a key technical leader responsible for driving projects from concept through implementation while partnering closely with operations, maintenance, quality, finance, and production teams. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys balancing strategic project work with hands-on involvement on the manufacturing floor. The successful candidate will lead capital projects, support equipment and process improvements, mentor junior engineers, and help shape the future state of manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital equipment (CAPEX) projects from concept, budgeting, and planning through installation, commissioning, and long-term sustainability.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Develop equipment specifications and work with vendors to evaluate, select, and implement new manufacturing technologies.
• Lead facility layout modifications, equipment relocations, manufacturing line expansions, and plant improvement initiatives.
• Support automation projects, controls upgrades, robotics implementation, and process optimization efforts.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and throughput.
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, quality, engineering, and finance teams to execute projects successfully.
• Utilize AutoCAD and other design tools to develop layouts and support project planning activities.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, timelines, and tracking documentation using Excel and other project management tools.
• Ensure newly installed equipment meets or exceeds production requirements and performance expectations.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to less experienced engineers and project team members.
• Spend significant time on the production floor understanding processes, identifying issues, and driving practical solutions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor"s degree in Engineering required. Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, or related engineering disciplines considered.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering, project engineering, or related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading capital equipment projects within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with equipment installation, manufacturing expansions, facility layouts, or process implementation projects.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production processes.
• Experience working with automation, robotics, controls upgrades, or equipment modernization projects.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD required; experience with Creo, SolidWorks, or similar CAD platforms preferred.
• Strong Excel skills, including tracking budgets, project plans, schedules, and data analysis.
• Experience working directly with equipment suppliers, contractors, and external vendors.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management abilities.
• Proven ability to influence teams and lead projects across multiple functional areas.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred experience in assembly manufacturing environments.
• Experience with automation and robotics implementation.
• Familiarity with machining operations, fabrication processes, and metal stamping operations.
• Experience with equipment refurbishment and modernization.
• Experience with plant expansion and facility growth projects.
• High-volume manufacturing operations experience.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lexington, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

PTO, HOLIDAY, 401K, Health, medical, dental, vision

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.