Plant Engineering Manager (Greater Chicago Area)

We are seeking an experienced Plant Engineering Manager to lead engineering operations, manufacturing improvements, and project execution within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating engineering projects to ensure objectives are achieved on time and within budget. The Engineering Manager will oversee project schedules, resource allocation, customer communication, program documentation, and internal and external audits while supporting overall plant performance.

The Engineering Manager will provide leadership to Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Maintenance teams, with a focus on improving production efficiency, equipment reliability, quality, and cost performance. Responsibilities include overseeing new product introductions, product launches, production tooling, equipment maintenance, and process improvements. This individual will work closely with manufacturing, quality, and plant leadership to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, reduce downtime, eliminate waste, and implement effective manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required, along with 5–10 years of manufacturing engineering experience and at least 5 years of management experience.
• Candidates should have strong electrical and controls knowledge, including experience with Allen-Bradley or Siemens systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies, including Six Sigma and Kaizen, is essential. Previous automotive manufacturing experience, particularly within a Just-in-Time (JIT) sequencing environment, is highly preferred.
• The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and hands-on engineering leader with a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, solve complex manufacturing challenges, and drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.