Engineering Manager

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Wood Dale, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$120,000–$150,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Analysis Skills, Autodesk Inventor, Best Practices, Bill of Materials (BOM), Budget Management, Budgeting, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Communication Skills, Composite Materials, Continuous Improvement, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, Cost Engineering, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Data Quality, Data Structures, Detail Oriented, Disability Insurance, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Engineering, Engineering Management, Identify Issues, Insurance, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, People Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Development, Process Improvement, Product Data Management (PDM), Product Design, Product Development, Product Lifecycle, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Production Support, Profit & Loss, Project Execution, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Requirements Management, Safety Compliance, Sales, Sales Support, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), Supply Chain, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Time Management, Tuition Reimbursement, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Wood Dale, IL
POSTED
27 days ago
Date posted: June 9, 2025 Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Job description: Job Summary We are seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our Engineering team in optimizing product design, streamlining process, and ensuring on-time, on–budget execution of custom and standard fixtures. In this role, you will drive cross functional collaboration between Design, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to uphold the Company's commitment to excellence and fast turnaround. You’ll mentor a diverse group of design engineers, estimators, project managers, and transfer customer requirements into manufacturable, cost effective solutions. Key Responsibilities • Lead and mentor a cross-functional Engineering team, including design engineers, estimators, and project managers • Drive optimization of custom and standard fixtures to meet client requirements and cost targets • Oversee the development and continuous improvement of the Company's patented 3? pin-system product lines, ensuring designs maximize quick installation, secure mounting, and modular flexibility • Translate customer specifications into detailed, manufacturable engineering solutions, maintaining BOM accuracy and CAD/Vault data integrity • Coordinate closely with Design/Sales, Production, and Purchasing to ensure seamless handoff from concept to production and on-time delivery • Support new product introductions that are handed off from New Product Development • Facilitate regular project reviews and status updates with senior leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and resource needs • Attention to detail is critical, as well as ensuring fit, form, and function—along with accurate tolerances, material selection, manufacturability, safety compliance, and cost-effectiveness—to deliver consistently high-quality, reliable products Required Technical Skills • Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Design, Engineering, or a related field • 8+ years of engineering experience in wood, metal, or mixed-materials manufacturing environments • In-depth knowledge of multiple materials (wood, metal, plastics, glass, composites) and their fabrication processes • Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (preferably Autodesk Inventor & Vault) • Hands-on experience creating and maintaining Bills of Material (BOMs) and ERP/PDM data structures • Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior engineers, design engineers, in both technical skills and best practices • Proven track record in leading fast-paced environments, balancing cost, quality, and timeline to drive profitable engineering solutions • Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnose design or production issues quickly and implement effective, data-driven fixes Required Personal Skills • Exceptional verbal and written communication, able to convey complex technical concepts clearly to cross-functional teams (design/sales, production, purchasing) • Confident client-facing presence, with the ability to gather requirements, present solutions, and manage expectations • Collaborative creative mindset, thrives in a team-oriented culture and contributes to shared goals • Outstanding organizational skills, versatile in managing multiple priorities, documenting processes, and maintaining rigorous version control • Adaptable and proactive, embraces change, seeks continuous improvement, and drives innovation under tight deadlines • Strong leadership and empathy, skilled at guiding teams through challenges, providing constructive feedback, and fostering professional growth Reports To: SVP of Engineering and New Product Development Direct Reports: Yes Job Type: Full-time Benefits: • 401(k) 3% Match • AD&D insurance • Disability insurance • Health savings account • Parental leave • Referral program • Relocation assistance • Tuition reimbursement Schedule: • 8 hour shift • Day shift Experience: • engineering: 8 years (Preferred) Ability to Commute: • Wood Dale, IL 60191 (Required) Ability to Relocate: • Wood Dale, IL 60191: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required) Willingness to travel: • 25% (Preferred) Work Location: In person Title: Mechanical Engineering ManagerLocation: Wood Dale, ILHire Type: Direct HireSalary: $120,000 - $145,000/year + Bonus PotentialBenefits: 401(k) with 3% Match, Medical, HSA, AD&D Insurance, Disability Insurance, Parental Leave, Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Program, Relocation Assistance, PTOOur client is a growing manufacturer specializing in custom and standard fixture solutions for a variety of industries. They are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a cross-functional engineering team focused on product optimization, manufacturability, and delivering projects on time and within budget. This individual will play a key leadership role in driving collaboration between Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales while supporting continued innovation and company growth. Job Duties:• Lead and mentor a cross-functional engineering team including Design Engineers, Estimators, and Project Managers. • Drive optimization of custom and standard fixture designs to meet customer requirements, manufacturability goals, and cost targets. • Oversee product development and continuous improvement efforts for proprietary product lines. • Translate customer requirements and specifications into manufacturable, cost-effective engineering solutions. • Maintain BOM accuracy and ensure CAD and Vault data integrity throughout the product lifecycle. • Collaborate with Sales, Production, Quality, and Purchasing teams to ensure successful project execution from concept through production. • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts and transition projects into manufacturing. • Conduct project reviews with leadership teams, providing updates on progress, risks, timelines, and resource requirements. • Ensure designs meet fit, form, and function requirements while considering tolerances, manufacturability, material selection, safety, and cost. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering processes, efficiency, and profitability. Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Design, or a related technical field required. • 8+ years of engineering experience within wood, metal, or mixed-material manufacturing environments. • Previous leadership experience managing engineers, estimators, project managers, or technical teams. • Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD software, preferably Autodesk Inventor and Vault. • Experience developing and maintaining Bills of Material (BOMs) and ERP/PDM systems. • Strong understanding of fabrication processes involving wood, metal, plastics, glass, and composite materials. • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. • Ability to travel up to 25% as needed. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

About the Company

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Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:

 

  • Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.

 

  • Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.

 

Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com