Manufacturing Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k)

Employee ownership (ESOP)

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Bolingbrook, IL seeks a seasoned Manufacturing Engineer for a full-time contract-to-hire role. You will lead projects across planning to production launch, drive process improvements, and collaborate with Design, Operations and Supply Chain to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years’ experience, plus strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of professional engineering/manufacturing experience.
• Proficient with data analysis tools and manufacturing data.
• Strong problem-solving with root-cause techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering projects from initial planning through development, validation, implementation, and production launch.
• Research and develop new manufacturing equipment, processes, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, eliminate waste, increase efficiency, and improve overall operational performance.
• Review engineering deliverables for technical accuracy, manufacturing feasibility, and adherence to engineering standards and project schedules.
• Participate in design reviews and serve as a manufacturing liaison throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through customer shipment.
• Support new product launches by identifying opportunities to improve manufacturability, reduce manufacturing costs, and increase process reliability.
• Identify capital equipment requirements and develop plans to implement new technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
• Lead equipment upgrades, process optimization initiatives, and innovative improvements across assigned manufacturing assets.
• Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and error-proofing solutions to improve safety, quality, and process consistency.
• Participate in Process Mapping, FMEA, Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), 8-Step Problem Solving, Quality Control Plans, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.

Skills

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM

Job description

Position Type: Full-Time Contract-to-Hire (Longevity Desired)

Shift: 1st Shift

Compensation: $43-50 per hour

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401(k), employee ownership (ESOP)

You’ll have the opportunity to work at the intersection of manufacturing engineering, automation, new product development, and continuous improvement, while partnering with Design Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and leadership. This role offers significant visibility and the ability to directly influence safety, quality, delivery, cost, and manufacturing efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering projects from initial planning through development, validation, implementation, and production launch.
• Research and develop new manufacturing equipment, processes, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, eliminate waste, increase efficiency, and improve overall operational performance.
• Review engineering deliverables for technical accuracy, manufacturing feasibility, and adherence to engineering standards and project schedules.
• Participate in design reviews and serve as a manufacturing liaison throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through customer shipment.
• Support new product launches by identifying opportunities to improve manufacturability, reduce manufacturing costs, and increase process reliability.
• Identify capital equipment requirements and develop plans to implement new technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
• Lead equipment upgrades, process optimization initiatives, and innovative improvements across assigned manufacturing assets.
• Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and error-proofing solutions to improve safety, quality, and process consistency.
• Participate in Process Mapping, FMEA, Rapid Improvement Events (RIEs), 8-Step Problem Solving, Quality Control Plans, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related Engineering field.
• Must have 5+ years of professional engineering/manufacturing experience.
• Strong computer skills with confidence working with data analysis programs and manufacturing data.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience applying root cause analysis techniques.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

• Project Management and/or engineering leadership experience.
• Six Sigma, Red X, or other structured problem-solving certification.
• CAD/CAM experience.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and other business functions.
• Experience with advanced automation, Industry 4.0, equipment optimization, and manufacturing transformation.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.