Production Engineer

Job Title: Production Engineer

Job Description

The Production Engineer will perform a wide range of multi-trade engineering functions focused on the installation, maintenance, and repair of production equipment, machinery, and facility systems in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. This role involves hands-on troubleshooting and repair of electrical and mechanical systems, basic design and simple fabrication, equipment adjustments and rebuilding, as well as occasional welding. The engineer will support continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and processes while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of automated and semi-automated production lines.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair production equipment, machinery, and facility systems to support safe and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues on manufacturing equipment, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Perform basic design, simple fabrication, adjustment, rebuilding, and occasional welding on equipment components and fixtures.
• Apply knowledge of electrical power, including proper wire sizing, current, amperage, AC/DC voltage, and related principles when working on equipment.
• Apply knowledge of hydraulic power, including cylinders, valves, oil characteristics, and force as applied to equipment operation and repairs.
• Apply knowledge of air power (pneumatics), including cylinders, valves, mufflers, and related air components in troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
• Support and work with PLC-based control systems, including understanding ladder logic and control functions as they relate to machine operation.
• Ensure proper functioning of light curtains and other safety devices to maintain a safe work environment and compliant machine guarding.
• Repair and replace test cables and recommend suitable substitutes for operational components when needed.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering sketches, and designs, recognizing details and slight variations in objects and using analytical skills to resolve issues.
• Keep accurate written records for ordering replacement parts, tracking part quantities, and maintaining documentation for equipment and components.
• Provide manufacturers’ manuals, drawings, and spare parts information to maintenance teams to support proper ordering and preventive maintenance scheduling.
• Regularly inspect and adjust manufacturing equipment based on communication with operators and production supervisors to maintain optimal performance.
• Work with rigging and scaffolding, including the use of ropes, chains, cables, hoists, jacks, and lift trucks to move and position heavy equipment safely.
• Operate powered hand tools and, when needed, stationary machine tools to support maintenance and fabrication tasks.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions, alignments, and fits, and ensure components work correctly together.
• Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders regarding scope of work, completion schedules, problems encountered, proposed solutions, and materials or parts required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives related to manufacturing equipment and automation.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned to support production reliability and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• 2 - 5 years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or military maintenance environment.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent education, with at least 1–2 co-op experiences in a manufacturing environment for entry-level candidates.
• Strong electrical and/or mechanical troubleshooting skills in a production or industrial setting.
• Fundamental understanding of electrical power, including wire sizing, current, amperage, AC/DC voltage, and safe work practices.
• Basic knowledge of hydraulic systems, including cylinders, valves, and oil characteristics as they relate to applied force and machine operation.
• Basic knowledge of pneumatic systems, including cylinders, valves, mufflers, and other air components used in industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment and ladder logic as it pertains to machine operation and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of light curtains and other machine safety devices and how they integrate into equipment safety systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and sketches, and to recognize and interpret detailed features and slight variations.
• Ability to maintain accurate written records for parts ordering, inventory quantities, and equipment documentation.
• Capability to operate powered hand tools safely and effectively; ability to learn and use stationary machine tools as needed.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and understand how parts fit and function together in mechanical assemblies.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for discussing scope of work, timelines, issues, and resource needs with team members and leadership.
• Demonstrated aptitude in both electrical and mechanical domains (electro-mechanical aptitude) in a high-volume manufacturing context.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and modifying ladder logic for industrial automation is a strong plus.
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic system design, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience with industrial controls, including sensors, actuators, safety circuits, and control panels.
• manufacturing engineering or project engineering within high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to continuous improvement and process improvement methodologies in manufacturing settings.
• Experience working with high-volume manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Ability and willingness to learn advanced automation technologies, with training and teaching support provided.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze issues and recommend suitable substitute components when necessary.
• Comfort working in an electro-mechanical, hands-on engineering role involving both shop-floor and technical documentation tasks.

Work Environment

This role operates in an automotive manufacturing environment with high-volume production equipment and automated systems. The engineer works primarily on the production floor around machinery, industrial controls, PLC-based systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, and various power tools and precision instruments. The environment is fast-paced and focused on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. Team members collaborate closely with operators, maintenance personnel, and production supervisors, with clear communication and documentation being essential. The organization offers strong benefits, opportunities for advancement, and significant on-the-job training, particularly in automation and controls, supporting long-term career growth in a large, stable manufacturing setting.

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $38.46/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 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.