Job Description
Job Description
Manufacturing Engineer – Commercial Equipment (Exclusive Role)
Location : Elgin, IL
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 departmentsTroubleshoot equipment, test systems, and build issues in real timeCollaborate with union operators and support floor teams on process improvementsAssist with new builds, legacy product transitions, prototyping, and testingIdentify inefficiencies and implement corrective actionsEngineering & Continuous Improvement (50%)
Lead CI and VAVE projects from concept through executionDevelop and optimize manufacturing processes, workflows, and production linesEvaluate components and materials; work with suppliers as neededSupport NPI activities and engineering change documentation (ECNs)Program production equipment (CNC / fab equipment experience highly valued)Perform costing analyses, develop project proposals, and manage timelinesWhat You Need to Bring
Must Haves
Engineering degree (Mechanical preferred) — also open to Industrial, Manufacturing, or Electrical5–8+ years in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or continuous improvementStrong sheet metal experience (non-negotiable)Proven ability to lead VAVE initiativesExperience managing projects cradle to graveAbility to read drawings and use SolidWorks at a basic competency levelComfortable spending half the day on the shop floorDemonstrated intellectual curiosity and ability to “roll up your sleeves”Great to Have
Exposure to machine building or automated equipment environmentsExperience programming CNC / fabrication equipment or basic electrical troubleshootingUnderstanding of combustion systemsPLC troubleshooting or debugging experienceInterview Process
Technical phone screen with the hiring manager (30 minutes)Onsite interview (2 hours) – meet with GM, VP of Engineering, and plant leadershipIdeal Candidate Traits
Highly curious, hands-on, and collaborativeThrives in fast-paced environmentsNot afraid to get dirty on the shop floorStrong communicator across both salaried and union teamsEnjoys solving problems and driving tangible operational improvementsCompensation & Schedule
Salary : $85K–$95K (up to $105K for top-tier talent, capped at $110K)Bonus : Annual discretionaryHours : Standard business hours (salaried)Start Date : ASAPChecks : Standard background / drug screening may apply