Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

We are seeking an entry-level Manufacturing Engineer to support continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on enhancing production efficiency, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing downtime, and supporting process optimization efforts across multiple production lines. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who enjoys working on the manufacturing floor, analyzing data, solving problems, and collaborating with operations, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams.

• Analyze production data, KPIs, and OEE metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing throughput, reducing waste, and improving equipment reliability.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production issues and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with maintenance and operations teams to improve equipment performance and process stability.
• Assist with line optimization, process standardization, and workflow improvements.
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
• Monitor production trends and recommend improvements to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives including 5S and Kaizen events, and waste reduction projects.
• Participate in capital improvement and equipment installation projects.
• Work directly on the manufacturing floor to troubleshoot production challenges and implement solutions.
• Assist in conducting time studies, capacity analysis, and process mapping activities.

• Manufacturing engineering
• Process improvement
• Continuous improvement
• OEE / Manufacturing Metrics
• Root Cause Analysis / Process Optimization
• SOP Development
• Lean manufacturing
• Manufacturing process
• Root cause failure analysis

• OEE analysis
• Root Cause Analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, etc.)
• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• Process Optimization
• KPI Tracking and Reporting
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• SOP Development
• Data Analysis
• Manufacturing Operations
• Recent engineering graduates
• Manufacturing engineering internships

This position operates in a fast-paced, high-volume food manufacturing facility where engineers spend the majority of their time on the production floor rather than behind a desk. The environment offers direct exposure to large-scale food manufacturing operations and provides the opportunity to lead impactful continuous improvement projects early in your career. It features a collaborative environment with strong mentorship from experienced engineering and operations leaders, and a clear pathway for growth into Process Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Operations Leadership, or Project Engineering roles.

This is a Permanent position based out of Burlington, NC.

The pay range for this position is $50000.00 - $65000.00/yr.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance options Health Savings Account (HSA) eligible medical plans Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

This is a fully onsite position in Burlington,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.