Staff Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Staff Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing in Chicago, IL (Rogers Park neighborhood). This is a permanent job. Compensation is up $165K/yr base salary plus bonus and stock plan contribution.

Staff Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing
Chicago, IL (On-site)
Salary: Up to $165,000

Overview
The Staff Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing will play a critical role in advancing manufacturing capabilities across multiple business units. This position is focused on evaluating, developing, and implementing next-generation manufacturing technologies, with a strong emphasis on welding automation and process innovation.

This individual will help shape the future state of manufacturing by assessing current processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and leading the selection and deployment of new systems and technologies. The role requires a balance of hands-on technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Innovation & Technology Development

• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability
• Lead the exploration and implementation of advanced welding technologies, including robotic MIG, TIG, and laser welding
• Support long-term manufacturing strategy by identifying emerging technologies and assessing their applicability

Capital Projects & System Implementation

• Lead the replacement and upgrade of multiple manufacturing systems over a 12–18 month horizon
• Develop technical specifications and performance requirements for new equipment and systems
• Manage supplier selection processes, including RFP development and evaluation of vendors
• Oversee system design, build, installation, and commissioning in partnership with external suppliers
• Ensure systems meet defined quality, throughput, and safety requirements

Project Management & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Drive projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with operational goals
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to establish standard work and process controls
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders, including progress, risks, and mitigation plans
• Manage capital budgets and ensure effective use of resources

Welding Engineering & Shop Floor Support

• Serve as a subject matter expert in welding processes and automation
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts on the production floor as needed
• Partner with internal experts to scale knowledge and alleviate bandwidth constraints

New Product Development Support

• Collaborate with product development teams to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability
• Evaluate how product design impacts welding efficiency and automation potential
• Provide guidance on design requirements to enable advanced welding processes

Work Environment & Travel

• Primary location in Chicago with occasional support for nearby facilities (e.g., Palatine)
• Limited potential support for additional locations as needed
• Hybrid flexibility depending on project phase (more on-site during active implementation, more flexibility during planning phases)

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within a medium to large-scale production environment (e.g., heavy equipment, automotive, or similar industries)

Technical Expertise

• Strong background in welding processes, particularly robotic and automated systems
• Experience with capital equipment projects, including supplier selection and system implementation
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, controls, and automation technologies
• Familiarity with evaluating and integrating new manufacturing technologies

Project & Leadership Skills

• Proven ability to manage complex projects from concept through execution
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external vendors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Effective communication and organizational skills

Additional Considerations

• Hands-on experience in a production environment is highly valued
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving project needs and priorities
• Willingness to consider relocation if not local (preferred but not required)