Job Title: Supply Chain / Material Flow Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on optimizing warehousing and material flow operations within a high-rate, complex manufacturing supply chain. The Material Flow Engineer will work with a global supplier network and internal cross-functional teams to deliver best-in-class quality, reliability, speed, and asset utilization while supporting critical customer deployments and internal development timelines. The position requires someone who takes holistic ownership of operational challenges, thrives in a fast-paced and resource-limited environment, and can ramp quickly with minimal onboarding to deliver measurable improvements during the contract term.
Responsibilities
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Work passionately across multiple programs, from early development through full-rate production, to scale best-in-class material flow and warehousing solutions aligned with the maturity of the manufacturing process.
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Proactively identify imbalances and bottlenecks caused by inventory processes, line layouts, parts shortages, staffing constraints, and other production limitations, and drive these issues to resolution with the appropriate owners in Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality.
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Own and maintain the metrics, KPIs, and reporting that monitor production line health and efficiency, including cycle time, throughput rate, capacity, utilization, process non-conformities, and inventory accuracy.
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Conduct time studies of current and developing processes to ensure efficiency across warehouse and operations, and use the findings to refine workflows and resource allocation.
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Develop and implement processes that optimize workplans to support highly variable demand across multiple sites and programs.
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Translate analytical tools, dashboards, and reports into clear, actionable tasks that improve warehouse operations across a wide range of processes and locations.
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Produce and maintain tools that improve the accuracy of work demand forecasting for new facilities and maturing processes, using data-driven methods such as value stream mapping, process mapping, and line balancing techniques.
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Champion continuous improvement on the warehouse and production floor by implementing incremental changes quickly, gathering feedback, and iterating until processes reach a world-class standard.
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Completely own end-to-end value chains from start to finish, measuring each step of the process and converting insights into actionable tasks that result in significant and sustainable business improvements.
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Present project results and recommendations to cross-functional teams, clearly connecting data, analysis, and KPIs to proposed next steps and operational changes.
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Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Business Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure products are built and shipped under stringent quality standards.
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Provide flexible support across different programs and operational areas as needed to meet production schedules and customer commitments.
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Leverage simulation tools, MES/WMS, and ERP systems to model, design, and refine production lines and warehouse flows, and to support decision-making with robust data.
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Apply Lean Manufacturing principles, including value stream mapping, continuous flow, one-piece flow, and workstation design, to drive productivity and reduce waste.
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Engage directly with production and warehouse processes to implement practical, hands-on improvements such as operational analysis and error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions that enhance performance without requiring major capital expenditure.
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Use SQL databases to store, organize, and query production and inventory data, enabling custom reporting and tracking that support operational transparency and control.
Essential Skills
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
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At least 3 years of experience in a high-rate supply chain or manufacturing environment where complex mechanical and/or electrical assemblies are built with heavy data utilization.
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Proficiency in supply chain, logistics, and material flow concepts and practices.
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Ability to read and interpret technical documentation such as engineering drawings and CAD data.
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Understanding of a variety of hardware manufacturing processes for electronics (including PCBAs and sensor hardware), structural components, mechanical parts, and electromechanical systems.
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Demonstrated ability to take holistic ownership of operational challenges and deliver creative, practical solutions in a fast-paced, resource-limited environment.
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Strong analytical skills with experience using data to monitor and improve production line health, including cycle time, throughput, capacity, utilization, non-conformities, and inventory accuracy.
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Experience conducting time studies and using the results to improve warehouse and operational efficiency.
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Ability to translate data and reports into actionable tasks that improve warehouse and production performance.
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Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles to drive manufacturing productivity.
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Proven ability to own an end-to-end value chain, measure each step, and develop actionable tasks that lead to significant and sustainable business improvements.
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Demonstrated experience presenting project results to cross-functional teams and clearly linking data to recommendations and next steps.
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Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as required by program and site needs.
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Availability to start within a defined timeframe and commit to the full contract term.
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Ability to work onsite in Columbus, OH for the full duration of the contract, with independent arrangements for relocation if needed.
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Eligibility to work on sensitive defense-related programs in the United States.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience using Siemens Plant Simulation, Visual Components, or similar process simulation software to model production lines and run production scenarios.
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Experience with department or factory design and setup, including value stream mapping, flow lines, continuous flow, one-piece flow, and workstation design.
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Prior experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for production operations or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
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Prior knowledge of NetSuite, Oracle, or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
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Experience delivering successful projects by being hands-on with processes, including operational analysis and error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions that enable teams to succeed without large capital expenditures.
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Experience interacting with SQL databases, including storing information and building custom queries for tracking production and inventory.
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Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Business Operations, and other functions.
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Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift quickly and where rapid iteration and continuous improvement are expected.
Work Environment
The role supports a cutting-edge defense technology environment focused on transforming military capabilities with advanced autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technologies. The organization operates like a modern technology company, emphasizing rapid innovation, data-driven decision-making, and the deployment of complex systems in months rather than years. You will work primarily onsite in Columbus, OH within a production and warehouse setting that supports a global manufacturing platform and a network of suppliers. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, with close interaction between supply chain, engineering, quality, and business operations teams. You will use a variety of modern tools and systems, including production simulation software, MES/WMS platforms, ERP systems such as NetSuite or Oracle, and SQL-based data solutions. Work may involve visiting multiple sites and facilities, and you should expect up to 25% travel. The culture values hands-on engagement on the production and warehouse floor, continuous improvement, and rapid iteration to achieve world-class operations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashville, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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 Ashville,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 [email protected] 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.
