Senior Process Engineer

Reliance Gear Corporation; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

10 paid holidays

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Reliance Gear Corporation in Elmhurst, IL, is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to lead the process engineering team, develop manufacturing processes, and drive continuous improvement across precision gear operations. This role combines hands-on process development with mentorship and cross‑department collaboration.

The position focuses on optimizing gear hobbling, shaping, and grinding, along with tooling specs and CNC programs, while ensuring quality and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience in gear process engineering or precision gear manufacturing.
• Knowledge of gear cutting, grinding, CNC programming, GD&T, and heat treatment effects.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership, analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the process engineering team and coordinate project priorities.
• Develop and optimize processes, routings, tooling specs, and CNC programs for gear operations.
• Analyze inspection results and implement process improvements.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to support production schedules.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce scrap, boost throughput, and cut costs.
• Maintain engineering documentation including PFMEAs, Control Plans, and SPC.

Skills

Troubleshooting Skills

CNC Programming

Process Engineering

Six Sigma Experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ERP Software

Gear inspection equipment

Job description

About Reliance Gear CorporationReliance Gear Corporation specializes in precision gear manufacturing, serving customers with demanding engineering, quality, and performance requirements. We are seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to provide technical leadership, develop manufacturing processes, and drive continuous improvement across our precision gear manufacturing operations.Position OverviewThe Senior Process Engineer leads and mentors the process engineering team while maintaining hands-on involvement in manufacturing process development, CNC programming, tooling specifications, and production optimization. This position works closely with Production, Quality, and other departments to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, cost effectiveness, and process reliability.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor, and develop process engineers while coordinating project priorities, technical reviews, and deadlines.Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, routings, tooling specifications, process plans, and CNC programs for gear hobbing, shaping, and grinding operations.Analyze gear inspection and metrology results to troubleshoot manufacturing issues and implement process improvements.Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve technical issues and support production schedules.Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving throughput, extending tooling life, and controlling manufacturing costs.Maintain and improve engineering documentation, including PFMEAs, Control Plans, work instructions, and statistical process control (SPC) documentation.Support compliance with applicable industry standards, including AGMA, ISO 9001, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.Assist with manufacturing quotations and support capital equipment evaluation, implementation, and validation.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent relevant education and experience.Previous experience in gear process engineering or precision gear manufacturing.Strong knowledge of gear cutting and grinding processes, CNC programming, GD&T, gear inspection, and the effects of heat treatment on manufacturing processes.Experience developing manufacturing processes, selecting tooling, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.Demonstrated leadership, analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.Manufacturing quotation experience is preferred.Strong attention to detail and technical documentation skills.Compensation and BenefitsAnnual Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000Reliance Gear Corporation offers the following benefits to eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements:Health insurance: Medical, Vision, Dental and Life InsuranceRetirement: 401(k) planPaid time off: Vacation, PTO, 10 Paid HolidaysExport Controlled ITAR/EAR ComplianceRestrictions imposed by federal export control laws may limit this job opportunity to candidates who are a 'U.S. Person', which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted asylum in the United States, and refugees in the United States, or who otherwise can qualify for a license that permits them to hold the position.Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship to obtain or keep U.S. work authorization.Compliance Notice: Reliance Gear is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment practices. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, or any other legally protected status. This position is subject to employment eligibility verification under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and may require a background check in accordance with Illinois law. All records and practices are maintained in compliance with HIPAA, FMLA, OSHA, and other relevant regulations.You should be proficient in:Bachelor's DegreeTroubleshooting SkillsCNC ProgrammingProcess EngineeringSix Sigma ExperienceAerospace ManufacturingMachines & technologies you'll use:ERP Software