Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc; Illinois; On-site; USD 102,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemring Energetic Devices, Inc. in Downers Grove, Illinois is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to optimize processes, design tooling, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 5 years in manufacturing engineering, with GD&T, DFMA, and DFx knowledge, and must meet ITAR and explosives eligibility requirements. Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential for safety and quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in mechanical or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in manufacturing engineering.
• Aerospace/defense sector experience preferred.
• Proficient in GD&T, DFMA and design for cost principles.
• US person and explosives eligibility per regulations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate equipment and tooling performance to verify efficiency and process capability.
• Define assembly procedures and build sequences to drive operational efficiency.
• Drive adoption of new technologies across manufacturing lines.
• Analyze and troubleshoot manufacturing processes to improve SQDC and support manufacturability reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure equipment meets program requirements.
• Provide hands-on support to production and resolve line-down situations.
• Manage CapEx projects and budgeting related activities.
• Participate in PHAs and JHA teams.

Skills

GD&T

DFMA/DFC

ITAR compliance

Explosives eligibility

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED's current salary range for this role is $102,000 to $138,500 / year. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer supports manufacturing operations by optimizing processes, designing tooling and fixtures, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides engineering oversight of manufacturing activities to improve efficiency, quality and delivery while supporting core operational processes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Evaluate equipment and tooling performance to verify efficiency and process capability. Investigate deficiencies and initiate corrective actions to support operational excellence
• Apply knowledge of product design, materials, and production processes to define assembly procedures and build sequences to drive operational efficiency
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and processes across manufacturing production lines
• Evaluate, analyze and troubleshoot manufacturing processes with focus on improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC). Participate in design and documentation reviews to ensure manufacturability of components and systems. Provide input to design teams regarding concepts and specifications to optimize equipment utilization and manufacturing methods
• Define materials, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing methods to ensure safety and quality are incorporated into the process design
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure functionality of all manufacturing equipment and assets meet program requirements
• Provide technical and hands‑on support to production operations teams, resolving line-down situations and promoting operational sustainability with minimal management oversight
• Influence the development of manufacturing strategy for the area of responsibility, including work cell layouts, equipment, tooling, and processes/systems
• Manage CapEx projects to purchase or upgrade physical assets, machinery, or technology, often involving budgeting, project management, design oversight, and vendor interactions
• Participate and facilitate PHAs (process hazard analysis) and JHA (job hazard analysis) teams

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Other special projects as assigned
• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ensures 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, and BACM

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree (B.S). in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or related field.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years professional and relevant experience
• Aerospace and Defense industry experience is desired
• Experience in interpreting and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience in the application of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and Design for Cost (DFC) principles

SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS

• Lawful US Person (ITAR restrictions)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices
• Adept in preparing clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation
• Use