Director of Manufacturing Engineering | Machining

Michael Page; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% annual bonus target

3 weeks PTO

Health benefits effective day 1

401k with employer match

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead the engineering team in optimizing manufacturing processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring product quality. This pivotal role will drive innovation and operational excellence within the aerospace and defense industry. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, a Bachelor's degree, and a track record of managing engineering teams. Attractive salary and benefits offered, including a base salary of $180,000 to $205,000 USD annually and a 20% bonus target.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering and operations support.
• Proven experience managing multi-functional engineering teams in a production environment.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Drive initiatives to improve quality and reduce costs.
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing, and capital equipment planning.

Skills

CNC machining

Grinding

Additive manufacturing

Welding

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

Job description

The Director of Manufacturing Engineering will lead the engineering team to optimize manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, and ensure product quality. This role is pivotal in driving innovation and operational excellence within the business services industry.

My client is a highly successful manufacturer of cutting‑edge products, primarily serving the aerospace and defense industry. This position will sit out of their state‑of‑the‑art facility located near O'Hare, and will serve as a critical leadership position to help drive the future growth of the business. Apply today to be a part of their success!

Description

• Provide technical and leadership guidance to the manufacturing engineering team.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop, standardize, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring alignment with production priorities and business objectives.
• Drive initiatives to improve quality, reduce costs, and implement advanced manufacturing technologies such as automation and mechanization.
• Oversee timely release of engineering documentation and technical processes.
• Partner with operations leadership to meet design, build, and test milestones for complex programs.
• Ensure robust engineering fundamentals and processes are applied consistently to maintain product integrity and process capability.
• Develop team goals, foster professional growth, and manage roles and accountability across the department.
• Allocate resources to support new and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Lead root cause analyses for new and sustaining products.
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing, and capital equipment planning.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety across all functional areas.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related field).
• 15+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering and operations support.
• Advanced expertise in complex hardware manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, grinding, additive manufacturing, welding, cleaning, non‑destructive testing, assembly, and acceptance testing.
• Proven experience managing multi‑functional engineering teams in a production environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and test engineering principles.
• Experience with Value Analysis and Value Engineering techniques.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing new manufacturing processes.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• Leadership experience in industries such as aerospace, medical devices, or semiconductor manufacturing.
• Lean Six Sigma Belt/Certification.

Job Offer

• Base salary ranging from $180,000 to $205,000 USD annually, depending on experience.
• 20% annual bonus target.
• 3 weeks PTO + 1 week sick time + company holidays.
• Health benefits, effective day 1.
• 401k with employer match.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Provide technical and leadership guidance to the manufacturing engineering team.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop, standardize, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring alignment with production priorities and business objectives.
• Drive initiatives to improve quality, reduce costs, and implement advanced manufacturing technologies such as automation and mechanization.
• Oversee timely release of engineering documentation and technical processes.
• Partner with operations leadership to meet design, build, and test milestones for complex programs.
• Ensure robust engineering fundamentals and processes are applied consistently to maintain product integrity and process capability.
• Develop team goals, foster professional growth, and manage roles and accountability across the department.
• Allocate resources to support new and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Lead root cause analyses for new and sustaining products.
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing, and capital equipment planning.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety across all functional areas.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.