Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Partnership Employment; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Partnership Employment is seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer for an Oswego/Aurora, IL aviation manufacturing and FAA repair environment.

The role emphasizes facility relocation, lean process design, equipment maintenance, safety strategy, and trouble-shooting for production, repair, and testing systems. The successful candidate will lead design support, implement Lean improvements, manage MO/BOO/BOM data in ERP, write SOPs, and collaborate across operations and QA to drive KPI improvements and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years in manufacturing engineering, aviation/aerospace experience ideal.
• Experience leading facility moves or major layout transformations.
• Strong CAD, ERP/MRP, data analysis, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support design processes from vetting to proposal, through to qualification testing.
• Lead full-site relocation planning using Lean methods to optimize space and workflow.
• Develop and maintain MO, BOO, and BOM in ERP system.
• Apply Lean tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, SMED, standard work) to improve efficiency.
• Prepare SOP/SWI documents and work instructions; assist in production training.
• Collaborate with operations on KPIs such as TAT, FPY, and scrap.
• Coordinate with QA on root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Lean tools

CAD

ERP/MRP

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

OSHA safety

Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

Aerospace manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CAD software

ERP/MRP systems

CMMS systems

Job description

We have afantastic Sr. Manufacturing Engineer position with a rapidly growing aviation manufacturing and FAA repair business based out of Oswego/Aurora, IL. Pay is to 130/140K plus 5% bonus. Initial focus on facility relocation and process stabilization, with longer-term emphasis on continuous improvement. This role combines hands‑on engineering, lean process design, equipment maintenance and safety strategy, and technical troubleshooting to ensure a smooth transition and long‑term performance of production, repair, and testing systems. The successful candidate must have an excellent technical aptitude, be analytical and detail oriented, and be able to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with a diverse product line.

Responsibilities:

• Design support at all stages of the design process from vetting to proposal, through design, manufacturing, and qualification testing until completion and product introduction.
• Lead and coordinate engineering activities for a full-site relocation, including logistics planning and the development of shop floor layouts using Lean principles to improve workflow, reduce waste, and optimize space utilization.
• Develop and maintain Manufacturing Orders (MO), Bill of Operations (BOO), and Bill of Materials (BOM) within electronic ERP system.
• Apply Lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, SMED, standardized work, visual controls) to improve efficiency and reduce variation.
• Write, review, train on, and support production with respect to SOP/SWI documents, product work instructions, and inspection processes.
• Collaborate with operations team to maintain or improve, KPIs such as TAT, FPY, and scrap/rework.
• Collaborate with QA team on root‑cause analysis and corrective action activities for quality, performance, and safety issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field required (advanced degree preferred).
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, ideally in the aviation/aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting a facility move, production line relocation, or major layout transformation.
• Strong hands‑on experience with equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability engineering.
• Proven track record implementing Lean manufacturing tools and driving continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of aviation quality and regulatory standards (AS9100, NADCAP, FAA) a plus.
• Solid understanding of workplace safety regulations and procedures - OSHA requirements, safety engineering principles, and compliant equipment/system design.
• Strong CAD, ERP/MRP, and data analysis skills.
• Excellent project management, communication, and cross‑functional leadership abilities.
• MUST be mechanically inclined with an eye for details.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or formal Lean certification preferred.
• Experience with CMMS systems and equipment reliability programs preferred.
• Background in CNC machining, composites, welding, aerospace assembly, or complex test systems preferred.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, 8D, and structured problem‑solving methodologies preferred.
• Training or certification in safety (OSHA 30, NEBOSH, CSP, or equivalent safety engineering coursework) preferred.