MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

LISI•Lake Zurich, IL

5d•$75,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer I optimizes production processes, improves operational efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures consistent product quality. The role works closely with production, quality, maintenance, and operations teams to identify bottlenecks, resolve manufacturing issues, and implement sustainable improvements. The position is hands-on and analytical, with a focus on measurable gains in productivity, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance. The engineer analyzes production processes, workflows, equipment utilization, labor, capacity, and material flow; troubleshoots manufacturing issues; and develops and implements standardized work and process improvements. The role applies Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methods, conducts root cause analysis, monitors performance metrics, and uses production data to prioritize projects and measure results. It also supports production planning, collaborates across departments, trains employees, maintains process documentation, and helps ensure compliance with quality, safety, environmental, and ISO/IATF procedures. The role is based at Termax’s manufacturing facility in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Required production-floor protective equipment includes steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and earplugs. The company offers medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

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, with the ability to work effectively with operators, supervisors, and management.
Hands-on approach to problem-solving 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 daily 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 principles, 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 opportunities and results.
Use data-driven analysis to prioritize 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.
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 implementation of process controls to sustain improvements.
Evaluate new manufacturing methods, equipment, and technologies.
Follow ISO/IATF, safety, environmental, department, and corporate procedures and policies.