Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The Manufacturing Engineer provides direct, hands-on support to active production lines, ensuring continuous operation and quickly resolving issues that affect throughput, quality, or safety. This role focuses on troubleshooting production stops, repairing or redesigning tooling and fixtures, and delivering real-time engineering solutions to operators on the shop floor. The engineer manages Requests for Engineering Assistance (REAs), improves manufacturing instructions and processes, and drives continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Success in this position requires strong SolidWorks skills, practical mechanical problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate closely with production, quality, and operations teams.
Responsibilities
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Provide hands-on support to active production lines to maintain operational continuity and minimize downtime.
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Diagnose and resolve production issues such as damaged or missing tools, worn or missing fixtures, mold defects, part nonconformances, and floor safety concerns.
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Respond quickly to production stops and determine root causes to restore throughput and maintain product quality.
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Repair, modify, and redesign tooling and fixtures using CAD tools, with a focus on SolidWorks, to support ongoing production needs.
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Design and develop new fixtures and fixturing concepts, including leveraging 3D printing capabilities where appropriate.
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Support operators on the shop floor with real-time engineering solutions and practical guidance to keep production moving.
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Manage and execute Requests for Engineering Assistance (REAs), including evaluating requests, defining solutions, and implementing changes.
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Update and clarify manufacturing work instructions to improve ease of manufacture, reduce variability, and enhance clarity for operators.
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Improve material handling and cutting methods to make materials easier to work with and to support consistent, high-quality output.
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Collaborate closely with production leads, quality engineering, and operations to address recurring issues and drive continuous improvement.
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Contribute to process improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance efficiency, safety, and product quality.
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Maintain accurate documentation related to tooling changes, fixture designs, REAs, and process updates.
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Support CMM inspection activities when needed, especially involving laser CMM, to verify part conformity and tooling performance.
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Use SAP ERP or similar systems, as applicable, to manage engineering changes, documentation, and production-related data.
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Balance multiple requests and projects, staying busy with ongoing aerospace-related work and supporting long-term production programs.
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Work proactively with minimal day-to-day supervision, coordinating with an experienced engineer while independently managing assigned areas of the factory.
Essential Skills
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Proven experience in manufacturing engineering, with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and shop-floor operations.
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SolidWorks proficiency required, with the ability to modify and design tooling, fixtures, and production-related components.
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Hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for resolving damaged tools, mold failures, defects, and safety concerns.
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Demonstrated experience supporting active production lines and responding to production stops in real time.
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Experience with process improvement, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing principles in a production environment.
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Ability to manage and execute Requests for Engineering Assistance (REAs), including updating work instructions and process documentation.
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Strong documentation and writing skills to clearly update and maintain manufacturing instructions and engineering records.
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Practical mechanical aptitude and comfort working directly on the shop floor with tools, fixtures, and production equipment.
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Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently without close 1:1 guidance while still collaborating effectively with a broader team.
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Experience using or supporting 3D printing, either in a professional setting or as a hobby, for tooling and fixture applications.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in aerospace or similar industries, is preferred.
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CATIA experience is preferred and considered a plus, especially for supporting complex tooling or aerospace-related designs.
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CMM experience, especially with laser CMM, is preferred for validating parts and tooling.
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Familiarity with SAP ERP or similar enterprise resource planning systems is preferred.
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Experience or exposure to the rubber industry and strong problem-solving abilities are an excellent fit for this role.
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Experience with fixture design and documentation management is beneficial.
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Exposure to project management, engineering design, and aerospace engineering environments is advantageous.
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Interest in long-term growth and contributing to ongoing, complex projects is valued.
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing environment where the engineer regularly works on the production floor alongside engineers, operators, and production leads. The work is hands-on and highly interactive, involving frequent troubleshooting, problem solving, and direct engagement with tooling, fixtures, molds, and production equipment. The environment supports continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices, with ongoing aerospace-related projects that keep the workload active and varied. The engineer will use technologies such as SolidWorks, 3D printing equipment, CMM inspection tools (including laser CMM where applicable), and SAP ERP or similar systems to support production and documentation. The position offers an opportunity for long-term growth, with steady, meaningful work and collaboration with a more experienced engineer who shares responsibility for a significant portion of the factory. Benefits include paid time off, holidays, and sick time, contributing to a supportive and sustainable work-life balance.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mcminnville, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.50 - $38.50/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Mcminnville,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 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 [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.
