Manufacturing Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Itasca, Illinois is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to optimize processes across facilities, focusing on cell design and lean methods.

You will support the launch of a new 250,000 sq ft facility, drive throughput and reduce waste, and collaborate with fabrication and welding teams.

The role requires 4+ years in heavy manufacturing, strong Excel and AutoCAD skills, and independent project leadership.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in heavy fabrication.
• Hands-on with fabrication and welding; sheet metal experience is a plus.
• Strong lean manufacturing knowledge and value stream optimization.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for plant layouts.
• MS Excel skills to analyze production data and drive improvements.
• Experience with CapEx planning and equipment needs.
• Excellent independent work ethic and ability to lead projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing cell layouts and workflows.
• Support the launch of a new 250,000-square-foot facility.
• Analyze value streams to remove bottlenecks and improve capacity.
• Apply lean tools and A3 problem solving for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with production, welding, and assembly teams to standardize methods.
• Identify CapEx needs and support equipment investments.
• Maintain plant layouts and process documentation in AutoCAD.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support a growing manufacturing operation specializing in prefabricated industrial buildings. With business booming and a new facility scheduled to come online in the next year, this is an excellent opportunity for an Engineer to make a significant impact on manufacturing efficiency, production flow, and continuous improvement.

This role will focus on optimizing manufacturing processes across multiple facilities, with an emphasis on production cell design, workflow optimization, lean manufacturing, and capital equipment planning. The ideal candidate has at least five years of manufacturing engineering experience in a heavy manufacturing or fabrication environment and can independently identify opportunities, solve problems, and implement practical improvements.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize manufacturing cell layouts, production workflows, and material flow to improve throughput, efficiency, and overall operational performance.
• Support the launch and operational readiness of a new manufacturing facility, focusing on establishing efficient production flow within manufacturing cells.
• Evaluate and improve existing manufacturing processes across multiple facilities to maximize capacity, productivity, and resource utilization.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste, improve quality, and streamline production.
• Lead structured problem-solving initiatives using A3s, root cause analysis, and other lean tools to address manufacturing challenges.
• Analyze value streams and production processes to identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable process improvements.
• Collaborate with production, fabrication, welding, and assembly teams to improve manufacturing methods and standardize best practices.
• Identify and support capital expenditure (CapEx) requirements for manufacturing equipment, tooling, and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain plant layouts and manufacturing process documentation using AutoCAD.
• Use Excel and other analytical tools to evaluate production performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support data-driven decisions.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in heavy manufacturing, metal fabrication, or industrial equipment manufacturing.
• Hands‑on experience with fabrication and welding processes; sheet metal fabrication experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, manufacturing cells, production workflow, and value stream optimization.
• Experience with structured problem‑solving methods, including A3, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for plant layouts and manufacturing space planning.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze production data and support process improvement initiatives.
• Experience identifying manufacturing equipment needs and supporting capital expenditure projects.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and drive improvements with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with production personnel and cross‑functional teams.

Why Join the Team?

• Join a growing manufacturing business with strong demand for its products.
• Play a key role in bringing a new 250,000‑square‑foot facility online.
• Make a direct impact on manufacturing efficiency, production capacity, and continuous improvement.
• Work across multiple facilities to improve operations and implement best practices.
• Take ownership of meaningful engineering projects in a hands‑on fabrication environment.