Production Engineer

Job Title

Production Engineer

Join a leading forklift manufacturing facility, responsible for producing custom forklifts ranging from 1 ton to 8 tons. This OEM plant completes the entire assembly process, manufacturing an average of 100 forklifts per day. We have two openings in the Paint department and the Material Handling/Assembly department, both sharing the same responsibilities.

• Lead investigations of new equipment to enhance productivity through technological advancements.
• Project leader in planning, procuring, integrating, and installing production equipment in Assembly areas.
• Drive technical improvements, including implementing automatic guided vehicles, controlled torque tools, automated conveyors, and fail‑safe devices.
• Identify continuous improvement activities to enhance safety and quality in manufacturing.
• Engage with stakeholders to increase operational productivity and deliver best value to customers.
• Support initiatives to reduce environmental impact and support community engagement.
• Investigate and eliminate downtime within assigned areas.
• Develop a vision for new technology and automation to increase productivity and capacity.
• Facilitate lean manufacturing practices to improve material flow, inventory levels, and safety.
• Strive to become the technical expert in assigned areas and proactively address issues.
• Interact with equipment suppliers and vendors to maintain project timelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in an industrial manufacturing setting.
• Experience in managing capital projects, including scheduling, contractor management, installation, troubleshooting, and run‑offs.
• Experience in tooling/fixture design for manufacturing.
• Mechanical aptitude.

• Familiarity with PLCs and automated equipment.

Candidates will divide their time between floor and office support. Core hours are from 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Overtime is paid during the contract period but not once converted to a full‑time position. Upon conversion, employees receive comp time equivalent to PTO for non‑production days, with the ability to roll over 40 hours and receive payout for remaining balance. Benefits include virtually free gym access, a new engineering center, and numerous advancement opportunities.

Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, IN.

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $48.08/hr.

Benefits (subject to eligibility and plan terms) may include:

• 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)

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 actalentaccom for other accommodation options.

Final date to receive applications:
Jan 13, 2026