Manufacturing Engineer

CNC Machining & Machine Assembly
Location: Elgin, IL
Reports To: Operations Manager
Compensation: $70,000 – $100,000 (Based on Experience)
Visa Sponsorship: Not available

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support CNC machining operations and CNC lathe assembly processes. This role plays a key part in improving production efficiency, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and standardizing processes in support of ISO 9001.

The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with machining centers and assembly teams, solving real production challenges, and leading process improvements that create measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day CNC machining and machine assembly operations

• Develop and optimize CNC programs, routings, tooling, and fixtures

• Improve manufacturing processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost performance

• Lead Lean initiatives including 5S, Standard Work, DMAIC, and material flow improvements

• Analyze cycle times, workflow, and equipment layout to improve throughput

• Drive cost reduction and production improvement initiatives

• Coordinate engineering changes across engineering, assembly, and quality teams

• Support new product introductions from Product Engineering to Manufacturing

• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation in support of ISO 9001

• Train and guide technicians on improved processes and best practices

• Maintain accurate manufacturing data within ERP systems

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering Technology required
  (Related degree and/or equivalent experience considered)

• Six Sigma certification or training preferred

Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of CAD/CAM experience (Mastercam, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, SmartCam, or similar)

• Strong CNC programming experience required

• 3–5 years of experience in precision machining and/or CNC machine assembly preferred

• Experience leading process improvement initiatives

• Project management capability

• ERP experience preferred (JD Edwards a plus)

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and lean methodologies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to influence and lead in a production environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($70,000 – $100,000 DOE)

• Health insurance

• 401(k)

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability