Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer (Mount Prospect)

Role Responsibilities:

• Design and modify workstations, custom fixtures, tooling, and factory layouts utilizing 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or CREO.
• Support the sourcing and procurement of new assembly machinery, including NPI readiness trials, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and capital expenditure requests.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes for both metal fabrication and integrated assembly operations, with a focus on improving quality, efficiency, consistency, and manufacturability.
• Facilitate PFMEA and other risk assessment activities while utilizing root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies such as 8D and DMAIC.
• Analyze and optimize metal fabrication processes including sheet metal stamping, CNC laser/plasma cutting, tube bending, manual or robotic welding, forming, punching, grinding, and related fabrication operations.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to improve part manufacturability, tolerances, fabrication processes, and assembly operations.
• Design welding jigs, nesting fixtures, assembly tooling, and other specialized fixtures to improve process consistency, productivity, and error-proofing.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing process plans, work instructions, process sheets, and routings to support new product introduction and ongoing production.
• Own and maintain manufacturing routings and Manufacturing Bills of Materials (MBOM) within the company’s ERP system.
• Establish raw material consumption rates for fabrication processes and labor standards for assembly operations.
• Support new product introduction activities from initial design through production readiness, ensuring manufacturing processes, documentation, tooling, fixtures, and equipment are prepared for production.
• Work independently on the manufacturing floor to identify and resolve process issues while influencing operators and management to drive improvements.
• Train Operators and manufacturing personnel on new and updated processes, work instructions, equipment, and standard work.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and management teams to support manufacturing improvements and new product introduction activities.

MUST:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial, or a related field
• Ideally internship, co-op, project, or academic experience within a manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, or engineering environment
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, and process documentation
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks or CREO
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
• Ability to develop or assist with work instructions, process sheets, manufacturing documentation, or standard work
• Basic understanding of manufacturing process flow and production operations
• Ability to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment and troubleshoot problems directly on the shop floor
• Basic understanding of BOMs, manufacturing routings, ECOs/ECNs, or ERP/MRP systems
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues, learn independently, and develop solutions rather than immediately relying on others for answers
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with Operators, Production, Engineering, Quality, and Management