Manufacturing Engineer - Lean & Capex Process Optimization

EVAPCO, Inc.; Greenup (IL); On-site; Full time

Job description

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting safe, efficient, and capable manufacturing operations through process optimization, equipment support, and project execution. This role focuses on improving production performance, product quality, equipment capability, and cost through engineered solutions, standardized processes, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Safety to ensure manufacturing systems operate reliably and effectively while meeting company standards and objectives.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Serve internal customers (Production, Quality, Safety, and Maintenance teams) by providing technical support to ensure manufacturing processes and equipment operate safely and efficiently.
• Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Support production equipment through engineering analysis, troubleshooting, and improvement activities.
• Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions.
• Specify, design, procure, and commission manufacturing equipment, tooling, and process changes.
• Work with outside contractors to achieve goals that require external support.
• Support capital projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and production handoff. Manufacturing Engineering support is “cradle-to-grave” in that Engineers are expected to support equipment and processes for as long as they exist.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Safety, Purchasing, and Engineering teams to support plant objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, regulatory requirements, and engineering standards.
• Participate in 5S, lean manufacturing, and other structured improvement initiatives.
• Document completed work and project updates using applicable systems and reports.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and safety-focused presence on the shop floor.
• Balance short-term Production needs with long-term reliability and improvement efforts.
• Respond to unplanned equipment failures and production disruptions as needed.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with all employees.
• Stay current on manufacturing technology and engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering strongly preferred.
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of industrial equipment, maintenance practices, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and understand drawings, schematics, P&IDs, and bills of material.
• Experience supporting or leading capital projects and equipment installations.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with the ability to learn plant‑specific software systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Aptitude with 2D and 3D software, preferably AutoCAD and/or Solid Edge.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based with a strong plant floor presence.
• Exposure to temperature extremes typical of a manufacturing environment.
• Requires walking, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and occasional lifting of equipment or tools.
• Must be able to safely navigate production areas and interact with operating equipment.
• Standard salaried work schedule with additional hours as required to support plant operations.
• Domestic and International travel required intermittently.

Pay & Benefits

• The salary range consists of base pay and most recent profit‑sharing bonus amounts.
• Medical, Vision, & Dental Insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Program – we are an employee‑owned company
• Profit Sharing Bonus – which is paid twice per year
• Clarity Plan - Voluntary Employee Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Bereavement Pay
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance equivalent to base salary, with option for Supplemental Life election
• Paid Sick Leave
• Long Term Disability