Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Timken; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentive program

Paid time off

401k

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

Job summary

Timken is seeking a qualified candidate for an operations role in Downers Grove, IL focusing on driving improvements that deliver significant cost savings across two manufacturing plants. Responsibilities include leading continuous improvement initiatives, managing multiple projects, and ensuring safety compliance. Candidates should possess extensive manufacturing and project management experience, knowledge of CNC machining, and strong leadership skills. The salary range for this full-time position is between $72,000 and $105,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 7 years of manufacturing experience required.
• 5 years of project management experience necessary.
• Experience with time studies is essential.
• Technical skills in product drawing interpretation are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Implement advanced problem-solving techniques for critical issues.
• Manage multiple projects effectively, delegating tasks appropriately.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and promote a safety culture.

Skills

CNC machining

Process optimization

Quality control

Pneumatics and hydraulics knowledge

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Expert in Microsoft Office

Leadership skills

Education

Lean/Six Sigma/Continuous Improvement background

Tools

CAD software

SAP or similar ERP systems

Job description

What Timken makes possible begins with you. Those who came before us helped land a man on the moon, create the world's infrastructure, and introduce renewable energy alternatives. Now you can join the Timken team to write your own unique story and help drive what's next.

A career at Timken means you can have an immediate impact doing Work That Matters to the world— improving the efficiency of today's industrial equipment and preparing for the future of motion on our planet and beyond. New employees can start contributing right away, and there are many opportunities to advance your career at your own pace. Join our global team of 19,000 people in 45 countries, and start helping our customers push the limits of what's possible in their world of motion.

Position Summary: This role exists for delivering $500K in annual operational cost savings across two plants by driving improvements in machine performance, workflow efficiency, automation, and process reliability. The position identifies opportunities to increase throughput, reduce setup and changeover times, extend tool life, minimize scrap, and improve first‑pass quality.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve safety. Identify areas for improvement, develop action plans, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement changes. This includes selecting appropriate techniques, optimizing workflows, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Problem Solving: Implement advanced problem‑solving techniques to develop permanent solutions to critical issues. Work with cross functional team & production to conduct root cause analysis, develop countermeasures, and monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects, including delegating assignments to maintenance, and operative associates. Oversee the work of contractors and suppliers, ensuring timely and cost‑effective implementation of new technologies.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and procedures. Promote a culture of safety within the plant, conduct safety audits, and collaborate with leadership to enhance safety performance.
• Will support two facilities, South Haven, MI and Downers Grove, IL.

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Proficiency in precision CNC machining, process optimization, and quality control.
• Knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, gauging, controls and mechanical or electrical engineering design principles.
• Proficiency with CAD software and manufacturing simulation tools
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP system
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and independently, with available support as needed.
• Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement initiatives on the manufacturing floor
• Strong critical thinking and communication skills (verbal & written)
• Expert‑level proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on Excel.
• Willingness to work in a hands‑on manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to travel to secondary manufacturing facility 1‑2 times per month. (Downers Grove, IL)
• Execute project tasks and additional responsibilities as needed.
• Self‑starter who is capable of driving projects across the team
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Exceptional people and leadership skillset.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 7 years of manufacturing experience
• 5 years’ experience project management
• Experience with time studies
• Experience technical skills in product drawing and specification interpretation

Education and Experience:

• Strong Lean/ 6 sigma / Ci background and experience

The pay range for this position is $72,000 to $105,000 annually and is commensurate on experience and education and could pay more or less than the posted range. This full‑time position is eligible to participate in the company's short‑term incentive program, paid time off, 401k, and comprehensive benefits package including, medical, dental and vision.

This position may require access to United States export controlled technical data (“CTD”) and hardware under the Departments of US State (ITAR) and/or Commerce (EAR). Eligible candidates are US Citizens, Green Card holders, Asylees or others eligible to receive US export license authorizations. Candidate must be authorized to work in the US.

All qualified applicants shall be treated equally according to their individual qualifications, abilities, experiences and other employment standards. There will be no discrimination due to gender or gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran/military status or any other basis protected by applicable law.