Industrial Engineer

Job Description

Position DescriptionThe successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing new products and product improvements for manufacturability and planning and executing operational launch-related activities. Designing production processes and fixturing to ensure the safe production of the new and improved products. This role requires close collaboration across engineering and operations to ensure alignment and buy-in on key initiatives and process changes. This position reports to the Sr. Engineering Manager. What Will You Do?Partner with product development and operations leadership to plan and drive launch-related operational activities. This includes, but is not limited to, layout redesigns, manufacturing cell development, creation and maintenance of work instructions, product costs, and throughput analysis.Participate in DFMEAs and design reviews to ensure new designs can be manufactured safely and within our production capabilities.Own PFMEAs creation and maintenance to identify areas of risk and process controls needed to ensure the quality production of our products.Provide technical support to production for the launch of new products and changes on existing products with a focus on process and quality.Evaluate production capabilities versus new product requirements and purchase the equipment needed. Design any required new fixtures for fabrication or assembly.Assist with setting up order processing systems by determining production costs and establishing routings.Own the creation of work instructions and visual aids for assembly for new product and engineering changes.Proactively identify and address areas of opportunity and collaborate across the organization using lean techniques to improve safety and ergonomics, eliminate bottlenecks, increase quality, and reduce cost.Lead business efforts in the development and implementation of lean manufacturing concepts including developing strategies, training employees, facilitating kaizen events, and auditing areas to ensure sustainability of improvements.Keep up to date on changes and advances in technology and best practices, incorporating new techniques and tools where appropriate.Required Skills 5-10 years of experience as an Industrial or Manufacturing Engineer, preferably with New Product Development, Operational Excellence or related experience.Bachelor's degree in relevant Engineering or Science discipline is required.Experience in project management with successful demonstration of timely implementation of project and continuous improvement initiatives.Demonstrated knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and technologies and working knowledge of problem solving and root cause analysis techniques.Working knowledge and experience with ISO9001 requirements related to documentation, quality controls, training, product segregation requirements, and continuous improvement desired.Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar modeling software, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment including lasers, saws, press brakes, and CNC mills is preferred but not required.Bilingual in English and Spanish is desirable.Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 starting base plus bonusCompetencies:Proven track record of leading through influence. Able to build strong team relations with peers and work collaboratively with people across all levels and departments.Creative problem-solver, with the ability to find new and unique solutions to problems. Someone the team will wish to seek/engage to solve tough challenges.Customer-focused with a high sense of urgency.Demonstrated tenacity for identifying opportunities for improvements and developing solutions.Able to adapt to new situations and quickly learn new processes and technologies.Detail-oriented, with a desire to "roll up your sleeves" to help the team get the job done.Strong project management skills with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and written, with all levels of work force including production workers, engineers and upper-level management. Must have the personality to run meetings and appropriately motivate others to action and alignment.Team player with a demonstrated history of building rapport and quickly integrating with a new team. Title: Industrial EngineerLocation: Chicago, ILHire Type: Direct HireSalary: $85,000 - $100,000 + BonusBenefits: Insurance ( Health, Medical, Dental), PTO, Paid Holidays, and More! We are seeking an Industrial Engineer to lead new product introductions, process development, and continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This role will be responsible for evaluating product manufacturability, developing production processes, designing fixtures, implementing lean manufacturing strategies, and supporting successful product launches from concept through production.Key Responsibilities:Lead operational activities related to new product launches and product improvementsPartner with Engineering and Operations teams to ensure manufacturability of new designsParticipate in design reviews and DFMEA activities to identify manufacturing risks and opportunitiesDevelop, maintain, and improve PFMEAs and process controlsProvide technical support during product launches and engineering changesEvaluate production capabilities and identify equipment, tooling, and fixture requirementsDesign and implement manufacturing fixtures and assembly toolingCreate and maintain manufacturing work instructions and visual work aidsDevelop product routings and manufacturing cost estimatesAnalyze throughput, workflow, and manufacturing efficiencyLead Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reductionFacilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement projectsUtilize root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies to resolve manufacturing issuesDrive process improvements related to ergonomics, bottlenecks, quality, and operational performanceSupport implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the organizationStay current on emerging manufacturing technologies and best practicesQualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field5-10 years of Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, NPI, or Operational Excellence experienceExperience supporting new product introductions and manufacturing process developmentStrong project management experience with successful implementation of engineering and continuous improvement initiativesDemonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologiesExperience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving techniquesKnowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems and manufacturing documentation requirements preferredProficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD softwareStrong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and OutlookExperience with fabrication and manufacturing equipment such as lasers, saws, press brakes, and CNC machining preferredBilingual English/Spanish is a plusQualified 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.


Meet Your Recruiter

Naeomi Cervantes
Senior Technical Recruiter

Naeomi is a Senior Technical Recruiter at Sterling Engineering with more than two years of experience supporting candidates and clients. She focuses on Sterling's Commercial Division, recruiting for roles across plastics, machining, aerospace, and other specialized technical environments.

Naeomi enjoys recruiting because it gives her the opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact in someone's life. She is passionate about helping candidates find new opportunities that align with their skills, goals, and long-term career growth.

For Naeomi, recruiting is also about building trusted relationships and being a helpful resource beyond one placement. Whether supporting an individual candidate or someone in their network who may be looking for a new role, she takes pride in helping people move forward with confidence.

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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.

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