Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for a long-term contract opportunity with an established aerospace and industrial manufacturing company in Rockford, IL. This position will focus on developing manufacturing processes, creating detailed work instructions, and supporting machining operations. The ideal candidate will have hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in a machining environment and be comfortable working directly with production teams on the shop floor.

Location : Rockford, IL

Pay Rate : $45–$48/hour (W2)

Employment Type : Contract- 12 Months (Potential extension up to 18 months)

Benefits : medical, dental, vision, paid time Off, holiday pay, plus more

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and document manufacturing processes for CNC machining operations, including lathes, mills, and grinders.

• Create and maintain manufacturing process routings to support efficient production workflows.

• Develop detailed Manufacturing Standard Instructions (MSIs) that clearly outline production procedures.

• Work directly on the manufacturing floor to observe machining processes, gather information, and document procedures.

• Take photographs of manufacturing operations to incorporate into work instructions.

• Review existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing manufacturing documentation and process instructions.

• Collaborate with machinists, manufacturing engineers, and production teams to ensure instructions are accurate and easy to follow.

• Update and maintain manufacturing documentation as processes change.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.

• 3–5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in a machining environment.

• Experience working with CNC machining processes, including mills, lathes, or grinders.

• Experience developing manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, or manufacturing routings.

• Strong understanding of machining operations and manufacturing processes.

• Ability to work directly with machinists and production employees to gather technical information.

• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.

• Experience with CAD software is a plus.

• Previous aerospace manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or active U.S. Green Card holder.

• No employment sponsorship is available for this position.

Benefits

Sterling Engineering offers eligible contract employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off and holiday benefits, where applicable

• Weekly pay

• Dedicated recruiter support throughout the assignment