Manufacturing Engineer (Contract)

Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Hire Type: Contract
Compensation: $50.00–$65.00/hour (Based on Experience)
Schedule: Full-Time | 100% Onsite

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support a highly automated medical device manufacturing operation in Buffalo Grove, IL. This contract opportunity will focus on maintaining and improving high-speed automated packaging and assembly equipment while supporting production reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong mechanical engineering background with the ability to troubleshoot complex automation equipment, identify root causes of recurring equipment failures, and develop clear technical documentation and work instructions. Candidates with exposure to controls systems, PCB troubleshooting, and automated manufacturing equipment are highly desirable.

This position supports the final manufacturing operation before product distribution, making it a critical role in ensuring equipment reliability, production efficiency, and product quality.

Key Responsibilities
Troubleshoot and repair high-speed automated manufacturing equipment with a primary focus on mechanical systems.
Diagnose recurring equipment issues and perform root cause analysis to implement permanent corrective actions.
Develop, update, and maintain technical work instructions, equipment documentation, and standard operating procedures.
Support production by resolving mechanical, automation, and basic electrical issues to minimize downtime.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Reliability, Controls, Quality, and Production teams to improve equipment performance.
Assist with continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, and uptime.
Support automated equipment utilizing drive motors, cam-driven mechanisms, vision inspection systems, and serialized product tracking.
Assist with troubleshooting PCB-related hardware and controls issues when necessary.
Participate in equipment improvement projects and provide engineering support across multiple manufacturing initiatives.
Ensure all work is performed in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Experience troubleshooting and supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude with experience repairing automated machinery and understanding mechanical drive systems.
Experience performing root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions to improve equipment reliability.
Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, work instructions, and equipment procedures.
Basic electrical troubleshooting skills.
Experience working in either the medical device, food, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with PLC-controlled automation systems.
Familiarity with PCB hardware or controls troubleshooting.
Experience supporting machine vision systems and serialized manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or TPM methodologies.
Experience supporting highly automated production or packaging equipment.
Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a hands-on manufacturing engineer who enjoys solving complex equipment problems on the production floor. They possess strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, can effectively identify and eliminate recurring equipment failures, and are comfortable developing technical documentation while supporting a fast-paced, highly automated manufacturing environment. Experience in medical device or food manufacturing is strongly preferred due to the regulated nature of the operation.