Job Title: Manufacturing Process Engineer - Axle Assembly
Job Description
This role supports manufacturing process engineering activities for axle assembly, with a strong focus on safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. You will apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to develop, optimize, and sustain robust manufacturing processes and equipment, while leading key initiatives that reduce variability, improve throughput, and support new product and launch activities in an automotive environment.
Responsibilities
Support manufacturing process engineering activities for axle assembly operations, ensuring stable and efficient production.
Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity by identifying opportunities, implementing solutions, and tracking results.
Apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish, validate, and continuously improve manufacturing processes.
Lead and manage projects related to the delivery, installation, commissioning, and validation of manufacturing equipment.
Conduct process audits to ensure process discipline and adherence to Powertrain Operations guidelines and standards.
Perform job ergonomic evaluations and implement corrective actions to reduce ergonomic risks and improve operator safety and comfort.
Analyze carrier inventory issues, identify root causes, and develop mapping and corrective actions to reduce rejects and scrap.
Create clear and detailed process sheets and work instructions that support quality methods and standardized processes.
Deliver capable processes and tools for axle assembly, ensuring consistent quality and repeatability.
Play a key role in resolving machining-related issues and variability, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable fixes.
Lead and support variability reduction initiatives and lean manufacturing best practices to optimize flow and reduce waste.
Ensure compliance with plant, corporate, governmental, and environmental standards in all process and equipment changes.
Support continuous improvement in throughput by identifying constraints, performing root cause analysis, and implementing improvements to achieve Rate of Climb targets.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills to drive alignment and execution.
Communicate effectively through written reports, presentations, and verbal updates to share findings, project status, and recommendations.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 5 years of related manufacturing process engineer experience.
Experience in manufacturing process engineering within an automotive or similar high-volume production environment.
Experience in axle, powertrain, or assembly operations.
Experience supporting or leading automotive launch activities.
Ability to apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to develop and improve manufacturing processes.
Demonstrated leadership aligned with strong interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.
Proficiency in conducting process audits and implementing corrective actions.
Ability to perform ergonomic evaluations and implement corrective measures.
Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis for rejects, scrap, and throughput constraints.
Capability to develop process documentation, including process sheets and work instructions.
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing concepts and variability reduction.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
At least 2 years of related manufacturing process engineer experience specifically in axle, powertrain, assembly, or launch support environments.
Experience with automotive axles or other automotive components.
Demonstrated project management experience, including equipment delivery, installation, and commissioning.
Deep understanding of gauge R&R and capability studies.
Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or process development for automotive applications.
Effective oral and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and reporting.
Six Sigma experience, including use of statistical tools for process improvement.
Experience with FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), and DOE (Design of Experiments).
Experience with Visual Factory Management tools and methods.
Knowledge and experience in ergonomic analysis and implementation of ergonomic improvements.
Comfort working within structured operational guidelines and standards for powertrain or similar operations.
Work Environment
This position operates in a manufacturing and assembly environment focused on automotive axle and powertrain components. You will work closely with production lines, assembly stations, and machining operations, engaging with manufacturing equipment from installation and commissioning through ongoing optimization. The role involves regular presence on the shop floor, conducting process audits, ergonomic evaluations, and data-driven studies such as gauge R&R and capability analyses. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, quality, maintenance, and launch teams to support new and existing products. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to plant and corporate standards, and continuous improvement in quality, productivity, and throughput. Work hours typically align with standard plant operations, with flexibility required during launch activities, equipment commissioning, or critical process improvements. Appropriate industrial attire and personal protective equipment are required when working in production areas.Experience
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 Jun 30, 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.
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