Manufacturing Engineer

Job DescriptionJob Description Manufacturing Engineer – Commercial Equipment (Exclusive Role)

Location : Elgin, IL

Apply below after reading through all the details and supporting information regarding this job opportunity.

Salary : $85,000–$95,000 (up to $105K for strong candidates; ceiling $110K)

Type : Direct Hire | Full-Time | Salaried

Bonus : Annual discretionary bonus (based on individual + company performance)

About the Company

A global leader in high-performance commercial cooking technology is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support production. The Elgin facility operates with a close-knit team of ~75 employees and is known for its high collaboration, strong communication, and continuous improvement culture.

This site is experiencing a significant generational transition, with multiple retirements planned over the next few years—creating major opportunities for growth, mentorship, and long-term leadership development for the engineer who steps into this role.

Why This Role Is a Great Opportunity

HOT EXCLUSIVE opening with immediate hiring need

Strong runway for career development due to upcoming retirements and legacy knowledge transfer

Leader-supported culture emphasizing teamwork, problem solving, and knowledge sharing

Significant hands-on exposure to machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and automated processes

Highly impactful role touching NPI, legacy products, process engineering, and CI

Stable company serving globally recognized customers and delivering high-volume commercial equipment

What You'll Do

This role is split approximately 50% on the production floor and 50% engineering / project work.

On the Floor (50%)

Daily support for fabrication, machining, and assembly departments

Troubleshoot equipment, test systems, and build issues in real time

Collaborate with union operators and support floor teams on process improvements

Assist with new builds, legacy product transitions, prototyping, and testing

Identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions

Engineering & Continuous Improvement (50%)

Lead CI and VAVE projects from concept through execution

Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, and production lines

Evaluate components and materials; work with suppliers as needed

Support NPI activities and engineering change documentation (ECNs)

Program production equipment (CNC / fab equipment experience highly valued)

Perform costing analyses, develop project proposals, and manage timelines

What You Need to Bring

Must Haves

Engineering degree (Mechanical preferred) — also open to Industrial, Manufacturing, or Electrical

5–8+ years in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or continuous improvement

Strong sheet metal experience (non-negotiable)

Proven ability to lead VAVE initiatives

Experience managing projects cradle to grave

Ability to read drawings and use SolidWorks at a basic competency level

Comfortable spending half the day on the shop floor

Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and ability to "roll up your sleeves"

Great to Have

Exposure to machine building or automated xmcpwfu equipment environments

Experience programming CNC / fabrication equipment or basic electrical troubleshooting

Understanding of combustion systems

PLC troubleshooting or debugging experience

Interview Process

Technical phone screen with the hiring manager (30 minutes)

Onsite interview (2 hours) – meet with GM, VP of Engineering, and plant leadership

Ideal Candidate Traits

Highly curious, hands-on, and collaborative

Thrives in fast-paced environments

Not afraid to get dirty on the shop floor

Strong communicator across both salaried and union teams

Enjoys solving problems and driving tangible operational improvements

Compensation & Schedule

Salary : $85K–$95K (up to $105K for top-tier talent, capped at $110K)

Bonus : Annual discretionary

Hours : Standard business hours (salaried)

Start Date : ASAP

Checks : Standard background / drug screening may apply