Job Information
Actalent Manufacturing Engineer in Athens, Alabama
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
This Manufacturing Engineer role focuses on managing project costs, optimizing manufacturing processes, and supporting customer requirements throughout the project lifecycle. You will develop detailed cost estimates, improve production efficiency, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure products, processes, and packaging meet technical, quality, and customer standards. The position combines hands-on process engineering with project management, cost control, and compliance responsibilities in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Manage and control project costs throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring projects remain within budget and meet agreed deadlines.
Develop detailed cost estimates for projects, including labor, materials, equipment, tooling, and other required resources.
Work closely with project managers, engineers, and cross-functional team members to ensure effective cost control and efficient resource allocation.
Analyze, select, and recommend appropriate packaging that protects the product, supports marketing objectives, and aligns with sustainability goals.
Collaborate with product development, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure packaging solutions support overall business and operational goals.
Provide accurate and timely packaging information for current and future products in customer web portals.
Apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish, maintain, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and products.
Identify and drive process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.
Assist the Process Line Manager in developing capital and expense budgets related to manufacturing processes and equipment.
Evaluate new products and provide recommendations regarding manufacturing feasibility, process requirements, and cost implications.
Estimate production rates, setup times, and tooling costs for inquiries and new part setups.
Follow up on Customer Specific Requirements (CSR) as applicable to ensure compliance with customer expectations and standards.
Support the routing and management of engineering change requests, including capacity analysis and rate impacts.
Ensure all customer requirements are met through robust process controls, documentation, and communication.
Handle and store hazardous waste in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Abide by the plant’s safety policy and comply with all legal requirements, operational controls, and procedures consistent with ISO standards.
Actively work toward achieving established environmental, health, safety, and quality objectives and targets.
Report and, if necessary, stop any activity that does not conform to policy or may cause injury or non-compliance.
Provide technical support and assistance as requested by the supervisor or leadership team.
Exercise authority, within the scope of the role, to initiate actions that prevent policy violations and support ethical and compliant operations.
Essential Skills
Proven experience in process improvement and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
in tooling, cost estimating, and cost control across the project lifecycle.
Experience with project management principles, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource coordination.
Ability to perform capacity analysis and evaluate the impact of engineering changes on routing and production rates.
Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to improve manufacturing processes and products.
Experience estimating production rates, setup times, and tooling costs for new parts and inquiries.
Ability to analyze and select packaging solutions that meet protection, marketing, and sustainability requirements.
Skill in working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and supply chain.
Knowledge of handling and storing hazardous waste in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Understanding of ISO-related procedures and the ability to work within established safety, quality, and environmental management systems.
Experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
Experience and education related to manufacturing, industrial, electrical, mechanical, or a closely related engineering field.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in a related engineering field, or 5 or more years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
CQI-12 Coating qualification, including a minimum of 5 years of experience in surface finishing operations or a combination of at least 5 years of relevant formal education and surface finishing experience.
CQI-15 Welding expertise supported by one of the following: a degreed Welding Engineer or equivalent science degree; Certified Welding Inspector from an approved internationally recognized organization; or a minimum of 5 years of welding operations experience or a combination of at least 5 years of formal metallurgical education and welding experience.
CQI-30 Mix and Molding assessor-level knowledge, with rubber mixing and molding process expertise and a minimum of 5 years of applied industry experience, or a combination of formal engineering education and molding experience totaling at least 5 years.
Demonstrated ability to perform all essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available where needed.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, particularly in a manufacturing context.
Effective communication and collaboration skills to work across functions and with customers.
A continuous improvement mindset and willingness to challenge existing processes to achieve better performance.
Work Environment
The role is based in a high-speed manufacturing environment focused on designing, producing, and improving advanced automotive products and related components. You will work with cross-functional teams that support original equipment and aftermarket customers across diverse markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport, and aftermarket applications. The culture emphasizes setting industry-leading standards rather than following them, with a strong focus on core values, a winning mindset, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to act as changemakers by bringing drive, passion, and dedication to their work. The facility operates under structured safety, environmental, and quality systems consistent with ISO standards, and employees are expected to comply with all safety policies, operational controls, and legal requirements while contributing to ambitious performance objectives.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Athens, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $115000.00/yr.
401, competitive salary, Medical, Dental etc
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.