Associate Mechanical Engineer

Flex•Buffalo Grove, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Flex is hiring an Associate Mechanical Engineer in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, to support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of highly automated equipment and processes in a regulated medical device manufacturing environment. The role applies mechanical engineering fundamentals to diagnose equipment failures, identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and improve manufacturing performance. As part of Flex’s Engineering in Training (EIT) program, the engineer will build technical competencies through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on work on real engineering challenges, with the goal of progressing toward increasingly independent responsibilities. The position works directly with manufacturing equipment and collaborates with Maintenance, Reliability, Automation & Controls, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations. It supports mechanical troubleshooting and design improvements, equipment modifications and validation, maintenance improvements, commissioning, qualification, and continuous improvement. The role also prepares technical documentation and participates in assigned EIT development activities while complying with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. The stated schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The listed base pay range is $34.40 to $47.30 USD per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited university.
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, materials, machine design, and mechanical systems.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot technical problems using logical, analytical approaches.
Ability and willingness to work directly with manufacturing equipment, tools, and mechanical assemblies.
Basic proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, mechanical schematics, and technical documentation.
Familiarity with CAD software and fundamental engineering calculations.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to participate in and successfully complete the Engineering in Training program.

Nice To Haves

Internship, cooperative education, or project experience involving manufacturing equipment, mechanical design, automation, or maintenance engineering.
Hands-on mechanical project experience, including equipment repair, fabrication, machining, or prototype development.
Familiarity with automated manufacturing equipment, including pneumatic systems, actuators, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and mechanical drive systems.
Basic understanding of electrical controls, sensors, PLC-controlled equipment, and electromechanical systems.
Experience with root cause analysis, troubleshooting methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes in regulated industries.
Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to independently investigate challenging technical problems.
Ability to collaborate across technical disciplines and communicate engineering findings effectively.
Optional skills listed: HMI configuration and vision inspection systems.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot mechanical equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Conduct hands-on investigations of automated manufacturing equipment, mechanical assemblies, motion systems, and production processes.
Analyze equipment performance, failure trends, downtime, and scrap to identify reliability, quality, and efficiency improvements.
Develop, evaluate, and implement mechanical design improvements to address equipment deficiencies and recurring failures.
Apply structured problem-solving methods, including root cause analysis, 5 Why, and failure mode analysis.
Support the design, fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, and validation of mechanical components and equipment modifications.
Use CAD software, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and measurement tools to develop and assess mechanical solutions.
Collaborate with Maintenance, Reliability, Automation & Controls, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations to resolve equipment and process challenges.
Support preventive and predictive maintenance improvements through failure analysis and engineering recommendations.
Participate in equipment commissioning, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Prepare technical documentation, engineering calculations, test results, and recommendations to support engineering decisions.
Participate in the Engineering in Training program, complete assigned technical development activities, and demonstrate progress against engineering competencies.
Apply engineering judgment, critical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset while meeting applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.