Production Engineer Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Production Engineer

Job Description

The Production Engineer will drive continuous improvement in a high-volume manufacturing environment by evaluating equipment and tooling, developing and implementing new manufacturing processes, and optimizing workflow and floor layouts. This role works hands-on with CNC machining, tooling, and process controls while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to meet production, quality, and cost objectives. The position combines technical problem-solving, project leadership, and direct involvement on the production floor to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate production equipment, hardware, and tooling, and recommend improvements, upgrades, or replacements to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Lead the development, testing, and implementation of new manufacturing processes and controls, ensuring they are robust, repeatable, and aligned with production goals.
• Oversee the installation, modification, and commissioning of equipment, and ensure proper integration into existing production lines.
• Train production staff on new equipment, processes, and systems, providing clear instructions and ongoing support to ensure proper operation and adherence to standards.
• Analyze workflow, floor layout, and equipment utilization to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.
• Estimate production timelines, labor requirements, and costs to support planning and management decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with management, production, maintenance, and engineering teams to support manufacturing objectives and resolve issues quickly.
• Lead engineering projects from concept through completion, including managing orders, contracts, timelines, and communication with internal stakeholders.
• Provide hands-on support for manufacturing equipment and processes, including setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
• Focus on tooling selection and application, including cutting tools, components, and inserts, and ensure that tooling is optimized for performance, quality, and cost.
• Apply practical knowledge of CNC machines, including their operation, setup, and basic programming or parameter adjustments as needed.
• Troubleshoot machining processes and equipment issues to minimize downtime and improve process stability.
• Operate machines when needed to validate processes, support troubleshooting, or assist production teams.
• Work as part of a cross-functional engineering group, contributing to a team-based approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Support process control initiatives involving PLCs, pneumatics, and other automation systems as they relate to manufacturing equipment.

Essential Skills

• 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment; automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• With a bachelor’s degree in engineering: 1–3 years of experience in manufacturing or production.
• Without a degree: 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing or production.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a 2-year technical degree, or equivalent hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering or production.
• Strong engineering and manufacturing engineering with a solid understanding of manufacturing principles and process optimization.
• Hands-on experience with line maintenance and troubleshooting of machines and production equipment.
• Working knowledge of industrial electrical and mechanical systems as they relate to manufacturing equipment.
• Practical experience with CNC machining, including how machines run, operate, and are set up.
• Experience with tooling, including cutting tools, components, inserts, and their function and application in machining processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining processes and equipment issues in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience working with PLCs, process control systems, pneumatics, and related automation technologies.
• Knowledge of CAD software such as AutoCAD or similar tools for reviewing and updating layouts, tooling designs, or equipment modifications.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite for documentation, reporting, and project tracking.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform light physical activity on the production floor as needed.
• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with production, maintenance, and management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading engineering projects, including managing orders, contracts, and timelines.
• Comfort working in a hands-on, maintenance-focused setting while prioritizing tooling and machining expertise.
• Experience collaborating in cross-functional teams and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Willingness to operate machines when needed to support production and validate process changes.
• Openness to learning new software and daily activities related to machining, tooling, and maintenance through structured onsite training lasting approximately 4–6 weeks.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze root causes and implement practical solutions.
• Interest in career growth and advancement within an organization that promotes from within.

Work Environment

The role is based in a busy manufacturing facility with a strong emphasis on teamwork and hands-on engineering support. Approximately 90% of the time is spent on the production floor working directly with equipment, CNC machines, tooling, and production teams, and about 10% is spent in an office environment handling documentation, analysis, and project coordination. You will work alongside two other engineers, as well as a broader support team including leadership and an engineering coordinator, and you will tackle challenges collaboratively as a team. The environment includes exposure to a dirty manufacturing floor with machining operations, process controls, pneumatics, and industrial equipment, so comfort in a shop-floor setting is important. Onsite training is provided for software, machining, tooling, and maintenance activities over a 4–6 week period. The organization offers competitive pay, advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance (with HSA options), a 401(k) with company match, paid time off and holidays, tuition reimbursement, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid short- and long-term disability, employee referral and recognition programs, wellness and appreciation events, and regular company events such as appreciation lunches and other team activities. The culture supports internal promotions and career growth in a collaborative, supportive engineering team environment.

This is a Permanent position based out of Tell City, IN.

The pay range for this position is $71000.00 - $82000.00/yr.

• Affordable insurance options (medical, dental, vision – including HSA plans) • 401(k) with company match • Paid time off & holidays • Tuition reimbursement • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) • Company-paid Short & Long-Term Disability • Employee referral and recognition programs • Wellness and appreciation events • Career growth opportunities

This is a fully onsite position in Tell City,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.