Contract Process Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

This Process Engineer role focuses on improving manufacturing efficiency, optimizing production processes, and supporting process validation activities within a pharmaceutical packaging environment. You will analyze production data, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and collaborate closely with operations and cross-functional teams to enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), throughput, and product quality while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Conduct production trials and machine testing to validate process changes and optimize performance.
• Troubleshoot production line performance issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Optimize machine settings and process parameters to enhance OEE, reduce waste, and improve consistency.
• Track and monitor key performance metrics, including OEE, downtime, waste, and productivity.
• Develop, maintain, and present reports and dashboards using tools such as Excel and Power BI to support data-driven decision-making.
• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to standardize processes and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, work standards, and process instructions.
• Support the implementation and qualification of new equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to resolve issues and implement improvements.
• Apply root cause analysis methodologies to investigate process deviations, performance issues, and quality concerns.
• Contribute to process validation activities to ensure manufacturing processes meet regulatory and quality requirements.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 1 year of experience working in a cGMP manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of FDA-regulated manufacturing practices and pharmaceutical quality requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• At least 4 years of engineering experience, with a preference for manufacturing or process engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in process optimization and process improvement within a manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis and production troubleshooting.
• Experience improving manufacturing workflows and standardizing processes.
• Proficiency in OEE analysis, downtime tracking, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to analyze data and create reports.
• Proven ability to use data and performance metrics to drive decisions and improvements.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma concepts and KPI development and tracking.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Sterile manufacturing experience.
• Experience in pharmaceutical packaging operations.
• Experience with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
• Process validation experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of automation and manufacturing systems.
• Statistical analysis experience to support process and quality improvements.
• Experience with medical device or medical manufacturing environments.
• Formal training or demonstrated experience in continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing.

Work Environment

The role is based in a medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing environment with a strong focus on cGMP compliance and FDA-regulated processes. You will work closely with operations, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams on the production floor and in an office setting to analyze data, monitor performance metrics, and implement process improvements. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, collaboration, and adherence to documented work standards and technical procedures. You can expect to work with technologies such as pharmaceutical packaging equipment, automation and manufacturing systems, Excel-based reporting tools, and business intelligence tools like Power BI. The workplace culture supports professional growth within a growing team and encourages active participation in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives. Specific work hours and shift details may vary based on production needs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Clinton, TN.

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $57.69/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 Clinton,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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 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 the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.