Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Synectics Inc.; Kewanee (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Synectics Inc. in Kewanee, IL is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Process Engineer to lead continuous improvement across fabrication and assembly lines.

You will drive value-stream mapping, standard work, Kaizen events, and capital projects to improve throughput, OEE, scrap reduction, cost control, and safety. You will develop and optimize welding, forming, fixturing, CNC processes, and ERP/MRP data such as routings and BOMs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering.
• Strong track record leading Lean initiatives with measurable results.
• Hands-on shop-floor experience with capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead value-stream mapping, standard work, Kaizen events, and cell/line layout improvements.
• Drive improvements in throughput, OEE, scrap, cost, and safety.
• Lead capital projects from justification through installation and validation of equipment.
• Develop and improve welding, forming, fixturing, and machining processes.
• Develop routings, work instructions, standard times, and BOMs; support ERP/MRP.
• Partner with design engineering on DFM for smooth launches of new configurations.
• Mentor operators and collaborate with operations leadership.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Process Engineering

Continuous Improvement

Shop-floor Leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead value-stream mapping, standard work, Kaizen events, and cell/line layout improvements across fabrication and assembly. Drive measurable improvements in throughput, OEE, scrap, cost, and safety.

Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Lead value-stream mapping, standard work, Kaizen events, and cell/line layout improvements across fabrication and assembly. Drive measurable improvements in throughput, OEE, scrap, cost, and safety.

Capital Project Management

• Lead capital projects from justification and design through vendor selection, installation, launch, and validation of material handling and fabrication equipment.

Fabrication Process Engineering

• Develop and improve welding, brake forming, fixturing, weld sequencing, CNC machining, and built-in quality processes for steel and aluminum weldments.

Process Documentation & ERP

• Develop and maintain routings, work instructions, standard times, and BOMs. Support data-driven standard costing and ERP/MRP processes.

New Product Introduction

• Partner with design engineering on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and support smooth launches of new product configurations.

Technical Leadership

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes and technical standards. Mentor operators and collaborate closely with operations leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering, preferably 7+ years.
• Strong experience in heavy fabrication, including welding, press brakes, plate cutting, structural steel, and/or aluminum.
• Proven track record leading continuous improvement or Lean Manufacturing initiatives with measurable results.
• Hands-on shop-floor experience combined with capital project management expertise.
• Experience in trailer, truck body, heavy equipment, or comparable heavy-fabrication manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Strong ERP/MRP knowledge, including routings, BOMs, and standard costing.
• Engineering degree preferred; equivalent hands-on heavy-fabrication experience may be considered.

Location & Compensation

Kewanee, IL.

Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.