MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

Termax•Lake Zurich, IL

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer I optimizes production processes, improves operational efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and supports consistent product quality. The role works closely with production, quality, maintenance, and operations teams to identify bottlenecks, resolve manufacturing issues, and implement sustainable process improvements. It is a hands-on, analytical position focused on measurable gains in productivity, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance. The role also supports production planning and capacity analysis, employee training, process documentation, and the implementation of controls to sustain improvements. It evaluates manufacturing methods, equipment, and technologies while following applicable ISO/IATF, safety, environmental, departmental, and corporate procedures. Performance is measured through improvements in throughput, productivity, cycle time, waste, downtime, delivery, manufacturing costs, project outcomes, and sustained safety and quality compliance.

Requirements

Experience in a manufacturing or production environment, preferably in process improvement or manufacturing engineering.
Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and waste reduction principles.
Experience with root cause analysis, problem-solving methodologies, and corrective action implementation.
Ability to analyze production data, conduct time studies, and identify process inefficiencies.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other production reporting or data analysis tools.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with operators, supervisors, and management.
Hands-on problem-solving approach and ability to manage multiple improvement projects.
Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing performance metrics.
Knowledge of ISO/IATF standards.

Responsibilities

Analyze production processes, workflows, and equipment utilization to identify improvement opportunities.
Identify and eliminate bottlenecks to improve throughput, cycle times, and on-time delivery.
Develop and implement standardized work methods to improve consistency, efficiency, and productivity.
Evaluate labor utilization, production capacity, and line balancing.
Troubleshoot manufacturing issues with production personnel and minimize downtime.
Monitor production performance and develop action plans to address inefficiencies.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, scrap, rework, downtime, and manufacturing costs.
Apply Lean Manufacturing practices, including 5S, Kaizen, standard work, and waste elimination.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions for recurring production problems.
Evaluate manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, equipment, and material flow.
Develop solutions that improve productivity without compromising quality or safety.
Measure improvement effectiveness and establish controls to sustain results.
Collect and analyze production data, including cycle times, downtime, scrap rates, labor hours, and throughput.
Establish and track KPIs and develop reports and visual metrics to communicate improvement opportunities and results.
Use data analysis to prioritize improvement projects and quantify cost savings.
Support production planning and capacity analysis to improve resource utilization.
Partner with production supervisors and operators to identify and implement practical improvements.
Collaborate with Quality to reduce defects, improve process capability, and resolve recurring quality issues.
Work with Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, and support preventive maintenance initiatives.
Coordinate with management on improvement goals, project priorities, and implementation plans.
Train production employees in new processes, standard work, and continuous improvement methods.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing standards.
Conduct time studies and process evaluations to establish efficient production methods.
Support process controls that maintain improvements over time.
Evaluate new manufacturing methods, equipment, and technologies to improve operational efficiency.
Follow ISO/IATF, safety, environmental, departmental, and corporate procedures and policies.