Design Manufacturing Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Waukegan (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks a hands-on packaging equipment expert skilled in GMP regulations for a contract position in Waukegan, Illinois. As part of the team, you'll be solving real-time problems and supporting operations with advanced packaging systems while enjoying a full benefits package. If you're ready to take on this challenge, apply to be our go-to expert!

Benefits

Full Employee Benefits Package

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) with a match

Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan

Qualifications

• 5+ years in pharma or food packaging operations.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting ability in regulated environments.
• Experience managing vendor relationships during installs and upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Solve problems in real-time to keep operations running smoothly.
• Work with cutting-edge packaging equipment like blister, labeling, and pill filling.
• Occasionally travel to support key sites.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Hands-on packaging expertise

Vendor relationship management

Job description

This range is provided by Sterling Engineering. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$50.00/hr - $80.00/hr

Direct message the job poster from Sterling Engineering

Location: Waukegan, IL 60087 onsite with occasional travel to TX and OH

Are you a hands-on packaging equipment expert from the Food or Pharmaceutical industry that has GMP or FDA regulations experience? Are you looking for your next challenge?

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a company that’s investing in its packaging systems and looking for someone who brings more than just design skills — we need someone who’s on the floor, solving problems in real-time, and knows how to keep operations running smoothly in a GMP-regulated environment.

What’s in it for you:

• You’ll work with cutting-edge packaging equipment (blister, labeling, pill filling, thermoforming).
• Be the go-to SME for all things packaging — not just pushing paper or CAD drawings.
• Travel occasionally to support key sites in Waco, TX and Cincinnati, OH — but stay rooted in a core location.
• Be part of a team that values technical know-how, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• About us…Sterling Engineering…we offer FULL BENEFITS! As a Sterling Engineering W2 employee on contract, you receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 3 Medical plans to choose from, Dental & Vision plans, 401(k) with a match, and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

What we’re looking for:

• 5+ years in pharma or food packaging operations — you know how these lines run, and how to keep them running.
• Someone who’s hands-on, not just design-focused (though light design experience is a plus).
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting ability — especially in regulated, validated environments.
• Someone comfortable managing vendor relationships and supporting installs, upgrades, and performance improvements.

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and take ownership of critical packaging systems, this is a great opportunity to bring your skills to a team that values real-world expertise. Let me know if you’re open to learning more — happy to share details!

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering, Manufacturing, and Design

• Industries

  Medical Equipment Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

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