Process Analyst

Sterling Engineering; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Medical plans (3 options)

Dental & Vision plans

401(k) with match

ESOP

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking an Operations Excellence (OPEX) Data Analyst to join our team in Waukegan, IL. You will work with production, engineering and operations to turn manufacturing data into insights that improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive operational excellence.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of manufacturing analytics, with strong skills in Power BI, Excel, SQL, and ERP systems such as SAP. Experience with MES and Six Sigma is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Analytics or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience supporting manufacturing operations, process improvement, or production analytics.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, food, automotive, consumer products, or industrial).
• Strong experience with Power BI and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Familiarity with MES or manufacturing execution systems.
• Knowledge of SQL for data extraction and reporting.
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, or Operational Excellence initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Turn manufacturing data into meaningful insights to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Build dashboards and reports for production leadership to drive operational excellence.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing / Analytics

Tools

Power BI

Excel

SQL

SAP

MES

QlikSense

Tableau

Job description

Location: Waukegan, IL (Onsite - Monday through Friday)

Duration: 36 Months

Schedule: 1st Shift

Join the Sterling Engineering Team! Are you passionate about Manufacturing Operations, Data Analytics, and Continuous improvement?

Sterling Engineering is looking for an Operations Excellence (OPEX) Data Analyst to join our team!

In this role, you'll work side-by-side with production, engineering, and operations teams to turn manufacturing data into meaningful insights that improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive operational excellence. If you enjoy being on the manufacturing floor, solving problems, building dashboards, and making a measurable impact on production performance, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Analytics, or related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience supporting manufacturing operations, process improvement, or production analytics.
• Must have experience working within a manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, food, automotive, consumer products, or industrial manufacturing).
• Strong experience with Power BI and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Familiarity with MES or manufacturing execution systems.
• Knowledge of SQL for data extraction and reporting.
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, or Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present data to operations leadership.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred
• Experience with QlikSense, Tableau, or similar Power BI platforms.
• Knowledge of manufacturing KPIs including OEE, OPE, MTBF, MTTR, and production throughput.
• Exposure to PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment or industrial automation.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance

About us Sterling Engineering, in business for 57 years we offer FULL BENEFITS!

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 3 Medical plans to choose from
• Dental & Vision plans
• 401(k) with a match
• Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.