Manufacturing Engineer

TEC Specialty Products; Illinois; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TEC Specialty Products is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to drive process improvement, quality system rigor, and capital project execution within our adhesives manufacturing operations. This role sits at the intersection of operations, quality, and engineering.

The ideal candidate will apply Lean and Six Sigma methods, lead capital projects from scope through commissioning, and partner with production, R&D, and supply chain to improve throughput, reduce variation, and ensure safe,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Lean/CI project experience with quantified results.
• Experience leading capital projects from scope to commissioning.
• Strong analytical and data skills (Excel at minimum; Power BI, Minitab a plus).

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma to improve OEE, yield, throughput.
• Scope and execute capital projects from equipment selection to commissioning.
• Develop standard work and SOPs across production lines.
• Lead RCCA investigations and CAPA closures with verified effectiveness.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and operations to scale new formulations and ensure safety.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Structured problem solving

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Minitab

Job description

TEC Specialty Products is seeking a hands‑on Manufacturing Engineer to drive process improvement, quality system rigor, and capital project execution within our construction adhesives manufacturing operations. This role sits at the intersection of operations, quality, and engineering — partnering with production, R&D, and supply chain to improve throughput, reduce variation, and bring new equipment and product lines online safely and on schedule.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, structured problem‑solving skills (RCCA, CAPA, 8D), and experience leading capital projects from scope through commissioning. Experience with SAP S/4HANA and dry‑blend or powder manufacturing is a meaningful plus. This role requires up to 25% travel to support multi‑site initiatives, equipment vendors, and capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (Kaizen, value‑stream mapping, DMAIC, 5S, SMED) to improve OEE, yield, throughput, and labor efficiency.
• Analyze production data and downtime drivers to identify bottlenecks and root causes; implement countermeasures with measurable, sustained results.
• Develop and maintain standard work, SOPs, work instructions, and visual management tools across production lines.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence by training and coaching operators, supervisors, and cross‑functional teams.

Capital Projects & Equipment

• Scope, justify (ROI / payback), and execute capital projects — from equipment selection and vendor management through installation, commissioning, validation, and handover to operations.
• Specify and procure production equipment, automation, and material handling systems; manage contractors and integrators on‑site.
• Lead equipment FAT/SAT, PQ/OQ activities, and ensure proper documentation, spare parts strategy, and preventive maintenance plans are in place at startup.
• Support facility layout planning, line balancing, and process flow optimization to accommodate growth and new product introductions.

Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action

• Lead structured root‑cause analysis (5‑Why, Fishbone, 8D) and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for nonconformances, customer complaints, scrap, rework, and recurring downtime events.
• Drive Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) to closure with verified effectiveness — not just containment — and document learnings so issues don't recur on adjacent lines or products.
• Partner with the Quality team on internal audits, document control, and Management of Change (MOC) reviews for process, equipment, raw material, and formulation changes.
• Develop process control plans, control charts (SPC), and inspection criteria to reduce variation and ensure consistent product quality.

Cross‑Functional Support

• Collaborate with R&D and Product Management to scale new formulations from pilot to full production, including process validation and first‑article qualification.
• Work with EHS to ensure all engineering changes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Support production planning, supply chain, and customer service by translating operational realities into reliable schedules and lead times.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline).
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a process, batch, or discrete manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean / continuous improvement projects with quantified results (cost, throughput, quality, safety).
• Demonstrated experience with structured problem‑solving — RCCA, CAPA, 8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone — and the discipline to drive issues to verified, sustained closure.
• Track record of successfully managing capital projects (scope, budget, schedule) from concept through commissioning.
• Strong analytical and data skills (Excel at minimum; Power BI, Minitab, or similar a plus).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to influence across operators, technicians, engineers, and senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications (Bonus)

• Experience with SAP S/4HANA in a manufacturing context — production orders, BOMs, routings, inventory, master data, and reporting.
• Powder, dry‑blend, or dry‑mix manufacturing experience (mixers, blenders, baghouses, pneumatic conveying, bulk bag handling, packaging lines).
• Experience in construction products, building materials, cementitious products, or specialty chemicals.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management system frameworks.
• PMP or equivalent project management credential.
• Familiarity with PLC/HMI systems, automation, and basic controls troubleshooting.
• Bias for action — comfortable on the plant floor, not just behind a desk.
• Structured problem‑solver who lets data drive decisions.
• Project leadership and ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.
• Collaborative, low‑ego style; builds trust with operators and leaders alike.
• Ownership mindset — sees a problem through to a sustained, documented solution.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to dust, noise, and temperature variation; PPE required in production areas.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs/ladders, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Travel up to 25% required — to sister manufacturing facilities, equipment vendors, contractors, and occasional customer or supplier sites in support of capital projects, equipment commissioning, and continuous improvement initiatives.