Research And Development Process Engineer Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Job Title: Process Engineer – R&D Manufacturing

Job Description

This Process Engineer role sits within a research and development group for a large technology organization serving automotive, aerospace, and other advanced applications. The engineer designs, develops, and supports manufacturing processes and equipment, and plays a key role in ensuring new materials and products are manufacturable at scale. By designing experiments, building and testing equipment, and optimizing production processes, this position focuses on improving quality, reducing cost, and increasing product flow. The engineer also researches, specifies, and supports the purchase of equipment for both new and existing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support R&D projects focused on developing, designing, and improving manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Influence new material and product development by evaluating manufacturability and recommending process improvements.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize production processes, including defining test plans, collecting data, and analyzing results.
• Build and test prototype and production equipment to validate process concepts and ensure robust performance.
• Research, specify, and support the purchase of equipment for new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Apply statistical analysis and validation techniques to assess process capability, identify variation, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with the manufacturing team to understand production issues, interpret data trends, and implement process improvements.
• Use process engineering tools and methodologies to improve quality, reduce costs, and increase product throughput.
• Document process designs, experimental results, validation activities, and equipment specifications in a clear and structured manner.
• Manage and prioritize work across at least two concurrent projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging structured methodologies such as Green Belt or Black Belt practices where applicable.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in process engineering, with 5 years of experience considered ideal.
• Proven background in engineering, with experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Hands-on process engineering experience, including developing and supporting manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Strong statistical analysis skills to design experiments, interpret data, and drive data-based decisions.
• Experience with process validation and verification activities in a manufacturing or R&D setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and manage priorities effectively.
• Comfort working in both office and production floor environments, engaging with cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate data insights into practical process improvements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Green Belt or Black Belt experience or training in continuous improvement or similar methodologies.
• Experience in research and development environments supporting new product or new material introduction.
• background in industries such as automotive, aerospace, or other advanced technology manufacturing is beneficial.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing setting within an R&D-focused organization. The Process Engineer will typically be the only engineer dedicated to two concurrent projects, providing a high level of ownership and visibility. Work is split approximately 50/50 between an office environment, where the engineer analyzes data and develops process strategies, and the production floor, where they observe operations, interact with the manufacturing team, and validate process changes. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, with a start time between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., averaging about 45 hours per week. The environment combines hands-on work with production equipment and analytical work with process data, offering a balance of technical challenge and practical implementation.

This is a Contract position based out of Zeeland, MI.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 Zeeland,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 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.