Manufacturing Technician

Menk USA; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Menk USA is hiring a Manufacturing Technician to support improvement initiatives, capital projects, and productivity efforts across Operations, Engineering, Quality and Safety. The role reports to the Competitiveness Leader and involves coordinating projects, analyzing processes, and eliminating waste with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates are organized, analytical, hands-on, and comfortable in both office and manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in manufacturing
• Associate degree in a technical field OR HS diploma with related experience
• Strong organizational and project coordination abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and workflows
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to work across departments and with all levels
• Data analysis and reporting capabilities
• Basic understanding of project management principles
• Proficiency with Excel and MS Office
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Responsibilities

• Coordinate manufacturing improvement and capital projects from planning through implementation.
• Develop project plans, monitor progress, and communicate status, risks, and results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve manufacturing issues.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and TPS principles to reduce waste and improve processes.
• Analyze production data to improve cycle time, capacity, quality, and productivity.
• Support cost reduction, scrap reduction, and manufacturing efficiency initiatives.
• Identify root causes of production problems and support corrective actions.
• Establish relationships with vendors and third-party partners.
• Create and maintain project documentation and reports.
• Measure project performance using appropriate tools and systems.
• Assist in implementing new processes, equipment, and improvements.
• Collaborate across Manufacturing Operations to enhance capability.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Organizational skills

Project coordination

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Education

Associate degree in Engineering/Manufacturing Technology

High School Diploma/GED with equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Project management tools

Job description

Join the Menk USA Team!

At Menk USA, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on how we manufacture, improve, and grow. As a Manufacturing Technician, you'll work alongside Operations, Engineering, Quality, Safety, and other cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, solve problems, and implement improvements that make a measurable difference.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys manufacturing, technology, problem-solving, and continuous improvement and wants to be involved in projects from planning through implementation.

Pay: $27.00 - $35.00 per hour, depending on education, certifications, and experience.

At Menk USA, you will:

• Make a direct impact on manufacturing performance and productivity.

• Work with modern manufacturing technology, data, and systems.

• Collaborate with teams across the organization.

• Help identify and implement process improvements.

• Gain exposure to capital projects and manufacturing initiatives.

• Be part of a culture focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Continuous Improvement.

• Have opportunities to grow your technical and professional skills.

About the Position

Menk USA is seeking a Manufacturing Technician to support manufacturing improvement initiatives, capital projects, productivity efforts, and operational excellence.

Reporting to the Competitiveness Leader, this position will coordinate projects, analyze manufacturing processes and data, identify opportunities to eliminate waste, and work with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, hands-on, and comfortable working in both an office and manufacturing environment. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, TPS, project coordination, and manufacturing technology is highly valued.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate manufacturing improvement and capital projects from planning through implementation.

• Develop project plans, monitor progress, and communicate status, risks, and results.

• Work with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve manufacturing issues.

• Use Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and TPS principles to eliminate waste and improve processes.

• Analyze production data and identify opportunities to improve cycle time, capacity, quality, and productivity.

• Support projects focused on cost reduction, scrap reduction, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Identify root causes of production problems and support corrective actions.

• Establish and maintain relationships with vendors and third-party partners.

• Create and maintain project documentation, reports, and process information.

• Measure project performance using appropriate tools and systems.

• Support the implementation of new processes, equipment, and manufacturing improvements.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Operations and other departments to improve overall manufacturing capability.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs.

Technology & Data

This position will use technology and data to support manufacturing improvements. The Manufacturing Technician may work with:

• Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications

• Manufacturing and ERP systems

• Production and manufacturing data

• Reporting and data analysis tools

• Project management tools

• Manufacturing technology and automation systems

• Candidates should be comfortable learning new technologies and using data to identify problems and make informed decisions.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of manufacturing experience.

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical field OR a High School Diploma/GED with equivalent manufacturing, continuous improvement, or project coordination experience.

• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to understand manufacturing processes and workflows.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively across departments and with individuals at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.

• Basic understanding of project management principles.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or TPS methodologies.

• Experience coordinating manufacturing, productivity, or capital projects.

• Experience with manufacturing or ERP systems.

• Experience with process improvement and root-cause analysis.

• Experience using data to improve manufacturing performance.

• Experience working with vendors or third-party contractors.

• Technical degree or additional manufacturing-related training.

Work Environment

This position works in both an office and manufacturing environment. Regular exposure may include moving machinery, forklifts, overhead cranes, industrial noise, heat, and manufacturing equipment.

Frequent walking throughout the manufacturing facility is required. Employees must follow all safety policies and wear appropriate PPE when entering production areas.

Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to support projects, equipment installations, or production needs.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.

• Frequently move throughout manufacturing and office environments.

• Occasionally climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or reach overhead.

• Occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Visually inspect manufacturing operations, equipment, and documentation.

• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

• Background check
• Employment and education verification
• Pre-employment drug screening
• Job-specific lift test

All employees must also meet the competency requirements for their role as defined by the company's training matrix and successfully complete required training.