Associate Manufacturing Engineer; CNC)

Associate Manufacturing Engineer

The Associate Manufacturing Engineer supports daily manufacturing operations, drives production improvement initiatives, and leads equipment implementation projects across multiple manufacturing processes. This role suits a motivated engineer who enjoys working directly with operators, technicians, maintenance personnel, and production leadership to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and overall manufacturing efficiency. The successful candidate plays an active role in manufacturing process improvement, capital projects, equipment installations, automation initiatives, and ongoing production support activities.

Responsibilities

• Study production processes and manufacturing requirements to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes based on safety, quality, efficiency, throughput, and cost, and recommend enhancements.
• Support daily manufacturing operations and troubleshoot production issues to minimize downtime and defects.
• Assist with the implementation of new equipment and manufacturing technologies to improve capability and capacity.
• Design and maintain manufacturing process layouts and equipment arrangements to optimize workflow and space utilization.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, improve quality, and increase productivity.
• Support manufacturing launches, equipment startups, and process changes to ensure smooth and efficient ramp-up.
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Analyze production data and performance metrics and recommend process improvements based on findings.
• Support automation, robotics, and manufacturing technology projects from concept through implementation.
• Interface with equipment vendors and contractors during equipment installations, upgrades, and improvements.
• Manage assigned projects from planning through execution, including scheduling, coordination, and follow-up.
• Participate in plant-wide safety and operational excellence initiatives to promote a safe and efficient workplace.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, maintenance, engineering, or operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and standard business software.
• Foundational knowledge of manufacturing engineering and process engineering principles.
• Ability to support process development and process improvement activities.
• Interest in or exposure to mechatronics and engineering technology.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Internship experience in manufacturing, engineering, or related fields.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing concepts and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with automation or robotics projects in a production setting.
• Experience using CAD software such as AutoCAD, Solid Works, or Creo.
• Maintenance or hands-on technical background supporting equipment or machinery.
• Experience working with machining, fabrication, stamping, welding, assembly, or painting processes.
• Interest in supporting facility expansion and capital projects within a growing manufacturing operation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lexington, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $80000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Health, Medical, Dental, Vision - I have a copy of the benefits - Match 100% your first 6% then after a 60 day waiting period Nidec will put an additional 3% as long as you contribute
6. Fully vested after 5 years. Company is growing and expanding 54 million dollar expansion - long term growth opportunity and great opportunity to grow career and skillset.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington, TN.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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…