Automation Simulation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Manufacturing Engineer - Block/Head/Crankshaft Machining

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, procuring, validating, and launching machining systems for engine components, including blocks, heads, and crankshafts, across the full program lifecycle. You will lead projects from concept through equipment build, installation, and plant handoff, while driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity. This is a long-term opportunity within a global manufacturing engineering team, supporting advanced machining processes and automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Define machining process requirements and develop detailed equipment specifications for machine tools, fixtures, tooling, gaging, and automation systems.
• Prepare comprehensive Statements of Requirements (SORs), equipment estimates, and Requests for Quotation (RFQs) to support sourcing and procurement activities.
• Validate fixture concepts, machining processes, and equipment designs to ensure manufacturability, capability, and alignment with production requirements.
• Lead machining system projects from concept through equipment build, machine runoff, installation, launch, and final plant handoff.
• Collaborate closely with OEMs, suppliers, plant teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to achieve safety, quality, timing, and cost targets.
• Develop and maintain launch timing plans, program status updates, and launch wall deliverables to ensure transparent and effective project tracking.
• Create virtual machining models and simulations and develop NC programs using NX CAD/CAM tools.
• Improve process capability through CNC programming, tooling optimization, and cycle-time reduction initiatives.
• Support plant troubleshooting efforts related to machining quality, throughput, and overall productivity.
• Conduct safety risk assessments and support the implementation of established safety standards within machining operations.
• Participate in Machine Run-Off (MARO) activities and equipment validation events to confirm performance and capability.
• Lead process capability studies, error-proofing validation, and continuous improvement activities focused on machining systems.
• Work across the full program lifecycle from concept and sourcing through equipment installation, launch, and ongoing continuous improvement for machined components.
• Provide regular project updates and participate in project planning meetings and training sessions at corporate sites as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of manufacturing or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience in block, head, and crankshaft machining.
• Core understanding of crankshaft processes, machining equipment, OEMs, tooling, and gaging.
• Proficiency in manufacturing engineering and process engineering for machined components.
• Experience launching machine lines or cells in a production environment.
• Ability to develop machining process requirements and equipment specifications.
• Experience preparing SORs, equipment estimates, and RFQs to support procurement.
• Skill in validating fixtures, machining processes, and equipment designs for manufacturability and capability.
• Experience with CNC programming and tooling optimization to improve process capability and reduce cycle time.
• Ability to develop virtual machining models, simulations, and NC programs using NX CAD/CAM tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with OEMs, suppliers, plant teams, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in leading projects from concept through launch and plant handoff.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their application in machining environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel to corporate sites for project update meetings and training, especially during the initial 5–6 months of the project.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with engine components such as crankshafts, blocks, heads, and cams.
• Machining equipment selection, integration, and validation for engine assembly and related components.
• Familiarity with error-proofing methods and process capability studies in a production environment.
• Experience participating in Machine Run-Off (MARO) and equipment validation events.
• Exposure to global manufacturing engineering teams and multi-year capital projects.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders while balancing safety, quality, timing, and cost objectives.
• Comfort working in long-term project environments with evolving requirements and timelines.
• Openness to occasional travel outside the local area, with potential per diem support when approved.

This is a Contract position based out of Nashville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

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.

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 Nashville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 19, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.