Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to design, optimize, and implement advanced manufacturing processes. The role involves interpreting technical data packages, applying lean principles, recommending capital equipment, and supporting IT infrastructure strategies for manufacturing systems. This position requires strong technical and financial analysis skills and the ability to work within integrated teams to deliver exceptional results.

Responsibilities

• Review project briefs and technical data packages to translate product requirements into manufacturing/assembly process needs.

• Define and adjust process requirements such as cycle time, takt time, throughput, and quality targets.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including design engineering, program management, operations, and quality to address open items and mitigate risks.

• Update project plans and capital expenditure requests tied to equipment selection or upgrades.

• Develop or refine line layouts, station concepts, material flow, ergonomics, and workforce utilization.

• Perform time studies, analyze bottlenecks, balance lines, and apply 5S/Kaizen principles to improve efficiency.

• Compare competing solutions for equipment and automation, such as robots, tooling, fixtures, conveyors, and sensors, with technical and financial business cases.

• Collaborate on PLC-to-Manufacturing System strategies, ensuring ERP/MRP/MES data connections and traceability requirements are supported.

• Align real-time process controls, including Cell Controllers, Quality Systems, Materials Management, data collection, monitoring/reporting, and maintenance management needs.

• Host and attend working sessions with customers, clarify requirements, present recommendations, and align on timelines and success criteria.

• Update specifications, PFMEA/process documentation, and prepare status reports or slides for internal and external stakeholders.

• Convert new technical packages into process specifications and validate with stakeholders.

• Plan, design, and launch steps for manufacturing, participating in build readiness and production trials as needed.

• Run targeted improvement events, such as layout changes, WIP reduction, and changeover optimization.

• Create ROI and payback analyses, prepare justification decks, and engage suppliers for quotes and technical reviews.

• Define shop-floor data collection points, serialization/lot tracking, and reporting dashboards.

• Present progress, risks, and mitigation plans during customer reviews, capturing action items and maintaining a clear issue log.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 10 years of experience in process, industrial, or manufacturing engineering, preferably in the automotive industry.

• Strong knowledge of product development in manufacturing and production processes.

• Experience with ERP/MRP/MES manufacturing protocols.

• Knowledge of real-time process controls including Cell Controllers, Materials Management, Quality Systems, and Process Data Collection.

• Ability to obtain Secret Clearance

• Expertise in tooling and robotics.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent mechanical and technical skills.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

Work Environment

The position is based on-site in Auburn Hills, MI, within a collaborative team environment with direct customer interface. The role may require occasional local and overnight travel to company or customer facilities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 Auburn Hills,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 21, 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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.