Associate Mechanical Engineer

Flex; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex, a leading diversified manufacturing partner, seeks an Associate Mechanical Engineer in Buffalo Grove, IL. The role focuses on supporting reliability and continuous improvement of highly automated manufacturing equipment within a regulated medical device environment.

You will diagnose failures, perform hands-on investigations, and implement design improvements while collaborating across Maintenance, Reliability, and Operations teams. EIT progression is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Strong understanding of mechanics, materials, machine design and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot problems using analytical approaches.
• Ability and willingness to work directly with manufacturing equipment, tools, and assemblies.
• Basic proficiency interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with CAD software and engineering calculations.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and communication abilities.
• Willingness to participate in the Engineering in Training (EIT) program.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical equipment failures, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Perform hands-on investigations of automated manufacturing equipment, mechanical assemblies, motion systems, and production processes.
• Analyze equipment performance, downtime, scrap, and failure trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement mechanical design improvements to address deficiencies and recurring failures.
• Apply root cause analysis, 5 Why, and FMEA to resolve technical issues.
• Support design, fabrication, installation, testing, and validation of mechanical components and equipment modifications.
• Utilize CAD, drawings, specs, and measurement tools to develop and evaluate solutions.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Reliability, Automation & Controls, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations to resolve challenges.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance improvements through failure analysis and recommendations.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare technical documentation, calculations, test results, and recommendations.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Interpretation of drawings

CAD familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Purpose:

The Associate Mechanical Engineer is a hands-on, technically driven problem solver responsible for supporting the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes.

Working within a regulated medical device manufacturing environment, this position applies fundamental mechanical engineering principles to diagnose equipment failures, identify root causes, develop practical engineering solutions, and improve manufacturing performance.

Location:

Buffalo Grove, IL

Hours:

0800am-0430pm M-F

Job Description:

• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical equipment failures, applying engineering principles to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Perform hands-on investigations of automated manufacturing equipment, mechanical assemblies, motion systems, and production processes.
• Analyze equipment performance, failure trends, downtime, and scrap to identify opportunities for improved reliability, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement mechanical design improvements to address equipment deficiencies and recurring failures.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including root cause analysis, 5 Why, and failure mode analysis, to resolve technical issues.
• Support the design, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, and validation of mechanical components and equipment modifications.
• Utilize CAD software, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and measurement tools to develop and evaluate mechanical solutions.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Reliability, Automation & Controls, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations to resolve complex equipment and process challenges.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance improvements through failure analysis and engineering recommendations.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare technical documentation, engineering calculations, test results, and recommendations supporting engineering decisions.
• Participate in the Engineering in Training (EIT) program, completing assigned technical development activities and demonstrating progression against established engineering competencies.
• Apply engineering judgment, critical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset while maintaining compliance with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, materials, machine design, and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot technical problems using logical, analytical approaches.
• Ability and willingness to work directly with manufacturing equipment, tools, and mechanical assemblies.
• Basic proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, mechanical schematics, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with CAD software and fundamental engineering calculations.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in and successfully complete the Engineering in Training (EIT) program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Internship, cooperative education, or project experience involving manufacturing equipment, mechanical design, automation, or maintenance engineering.
• Experience with hands-on mechanical projects, equipment repair, fabrication, machining, or prototype development.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing equipment, including pneumatic systems, actuators, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and mechanical drive systems.
• Basic understanding of electrical controls, sensors, PLC-controlled equipment, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience with root cause analysis, troubleshooting methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes in regulated industries.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and willingness to independently investigate challenging technical problems.
• Ability to collaborate across technical disciplines and effectively communicate engineering findings.

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [e-mail] and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).