Manufacturing Engineer – Lean Improvement & Automation

Keystone Distinction Group; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives across a high-precision machining environment in the Rockford area. You will partner with operations to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and deploy Lean-based process improvements on the shop floor.

The role emphasizes hands-on optimization of tooling, equipment, and production systems, with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to state-of-the-art manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 2-4+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in machining or metal manufacturing.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process optimization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; CAD/CAM or CNC programming is beneficial but not the primary focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and manufacturing performance using Lean principles.
• Analyze production flow, identify bottlenecks, and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reduce waste, and lower costs.
• Support the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of new manufacturing equipment, tooling, and technologies to improve operational efficiency.
• Partner with production to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, standardize processes, and improve overall equipment performance, including optimization of CNC machining processes where applicable.
• Manage engineering projects from concept through implementation while supporting a safe, organized, and high-performing manufacturing environment.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Process optimization

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM

CNC programming

Job description

Keystone Distinction Group is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives across a high-precision machining environment in the Rockford area. You will partner with operations to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and deploy Lean-based process improvements on the shop floor.

The role emphasizes hands-on optimization of tooling, equipment, and production systems, with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to state-of-the-art manufacturing