Job Information
Actalent Manufacturing Process Engineer in Sterling Heights, Michigan
Job Title: Manufacturing Process EngineerJob Description
The Manufacturing Process Engineer will support all manufacturing process engineering activities for new product launches and capacity expansions in an automotive assembly environment. This role applies core engineering principles to improve safety, quality, cost, and productivity, while leading problem-solving efforts, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives across complex gear and powertrain-related assemblies.
Responsibilities
Support all manufacturing process engineering activities during new product launches and capacity expansions.
Apply engineering principles to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, cost, and productivity across manufacturing operations.
Lead the development of interim and permanent corrective actions to resolve quality issues using 8D methodology and structured problem-solving tools.
Lead and conduct process audits, including machine capability studies, dynamic control plans, and annual cycle checks, to ensure process discipline aligns with established guidelines.
Analyze process bottlenecks, identify root causes, and engage in constraint management and process optimization to improve throughput and efficiency.
Create clear and accurate process sheets and work instruction documents that support quality methods and standardized processes.
Participate in root cause analysis of machine and equipment issues in collaboration with production and maintenance teams.
Lead variability reduction initiatives and implement lean manufacturing best practices to stabilize and improve processes.
Develop, lead, and present process optimization proposals and results to team members and plant leadership.
Work cooperatively and supportively with a wide range of individuals with varying levels of education and experience.
Manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously, using guidance on priorities to meet established deadlines.
Ensure compliance with plant, corporate, governmental, and environmental standards in all process engineering activities.
Support ISO compliance and participate in internal ISO auditing and related compliance activities.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of experience in automotive assembly of complex assemblies, ideally involving tight tolerance components such as engines, transmissions, driveline, chassis, or suspension.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Experience utilizing data to drive engineering solutions and decision-making in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with various gear machining processes such as broaching, hobbing, grinding, honing, turning, polishing, and automation.
Hands-on experience with manufacturing engineering and assembly processes.
Effective oral and written communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Experience with project management in a manufacturing setting, including the application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
Proficiency with 8D and 5 Why corrective action and problem-solving methodologies.
Practical experience with lean tools such as 5S, Kanban, Poka-yoke, and Value Stream Mapping.
Experience applying DMAIC and DMADV (DFSS) project methodologies.
Knowledge of TQM practices and experience with PPAP and Design of Experiments (DOE).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working through a full product launch from start to finish.
Familiarity with powertrain components and assembly processes.
Experience in an environment with unionized (UAW) production operations.
Experience with 3D printing capabilities for prototyping or tooling support.
Experience with 3D modeling tools to support process design and optimization.
Ability to work effectively on cross-functional launch teams and support multiple engineering disciplines.
Work Environment
This role operates within a dedicated Launch team consisting of approximately 7–8 other engineers, collaborating closely on new product introductions and capacity expansions in an automotive manufacturing plant. The position supports gear and carrier assembly/machining launch activities and works in a hands-on production environment that includes gear machining, assembly lines, and automated equipment. The standard work schedule is 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with overtime typically occurring at the end of the shift as needed to support launch milestones and production demands. The dress code is business casual. Safety glasses and a safety vest are required on the production floor and will be provided by the plant if the engineer does not already have them. The environment emphasizes teamwork, structured problem-solving, continuous improvement, and adherence to ISO, plant, corporate, governmental, and environmental standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $42.30 - $46.53/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 Sterling Heights,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 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.