Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Mokena (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Clear path to senior leadership

Impactful product development

Job summary

A growing employee-owned manufacturer in Mokena is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead R&D operations. The role emphasizes mentoring team members, driving product development, and overseeing product design and testing. This position offers a unique opportunity for leadership and growth as the company plans for succession within the engineering team. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Engineering and over 7 years of relevant experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience, particularly in leadership roles.
• Strong background in research and development.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day engineering and R&D activities.
• Drive new product development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and develop engineering team members.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

R&D expertise

Product development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical or related preferred)

Job description

A growing, employee-owned manufacturer in Mokena is seeking a high-level Engineering Manager to lead and oversee R&D-focused operations. This organization designs and produces specialized search and rescue equipment used worldwide. This role is part of a planned succession, as the current engineering leader is expected to retire within the next year, offering a unique opportunity for long-term growth and leadership impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day engineering and R&D activities
• Drive new product development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Oversee design, testing, and validation of products
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, production, and leadership teams
• Mentor and develop engineering team members
• Maintain a hands‑on presence in both development and production environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or related preferred)
• 7+ years of engineering experience, with leadership or management responsibilities
• Strong background in R&D and product development
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to lead projects and teams effectively
• Hands‑on, solutions-oriented mindset

Why Join

• Employee‑owned company with strong culture and stability
• Clear path to senior leadership through succession planning
• Opportunity to work on impactful, real‑world products used globally