Manufacturing Process Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company in the custom machinery sector is on the lookout for a Manufacturing Engineer who thrives in a hands-on environment. This role involves solving complex manufacturing challenges and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance quality and efficiency. You will be responsible for developing and implementing lean manufacturing methods, optimizing production processes, and troubleshooting issues on the floor. Join a passionate team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence, where your contributions will directly impact manufacturing performance and safety.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or process improvement.
• Strong understanding of machining and mechanical assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop enhanced manufacturing methods using lean principles.
• Evaluate and optimize processes for custom-built machines.

Skills

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Lean Principles

Machining Processes

Mechanical Assembly

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

CNC Equipment

Robotic Welders

Laser Cutting Machines

Job description

This range is provided by Sterling Engineering. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$90,000.00/yr - $110,000.00/yr

Lead Technical Recruiter/Sales Executive

Manufacturing Engineer – Custom Machine Build

Do you thrive in a hands-on engineering environment where every day brings a new challenge? A manufacturer of custom automated machinery is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join their operations team and drive improvements in quality, efficiency, and throughput.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex manufacturing problems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and being part of a company where innovation and continuous improvement are front and center.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and implement enhanced manufacturing methods using lean principles to reduce cost, lead times, and waste
• Evaluate and optimize machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing processes for custom-built machines
• Design tooling and fixtures to support efficient and repeatable production processes
• Troubleshoot process and quality issues on the floor and implement corrective actions
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to improve manufacturability and support engineering change processes
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen events and root cause problem-solving
• Assist in programming CNC equipment, robotic welders, and laser cutting machines
• Support capital equipment evaluations and justification through ROI analysis

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering or process improvement role
• Strong understanding of machining and mechanical assembly processes
• Experience in a job shop or custom machine build environment is highly preferred
• Proven knowledge of lean tools such as 5S, SMED, Kanban, and standard work
• Hands-on problem solver with strong analytical and communication skills

Why This Role:

• Be part of a company that builds machines, not widgets — each project is unique and full of technical variety
• Opportunity to make a real impact on manufacturing performance, quality, and safety
• Work cross-functionally with passionate teams in Engineering, Production, and Quality
• Join a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Engineering and Manufacturing

Industries

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing and Automation Machinery Manufacturing