Manufacturing Engineer

Republic National Ind • Mendota, IL

11d • $68,000 - $121,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This role drives manufacturing excellence by optimizing production systems, integrating advanced woodworking technologies, and improving operational efficiency across the cabinet manufacturing process. The position serves as a key link between engineering, production, and equipment vendors to support continuous improvement, quality performance, and scalable growth. Success requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and implement innovative manufacturing solutions.

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in Woodworking Technology from an accredited college.
• Minimum of five years’ experience as a Manufacturing Engineer in a Woodworking setting.
• Planning, supervising, administration, conflict resolution and negotiation experience required.
• Knowledge of Engineering Principles as related to a Manufacturing Environment.
• Ability to investigate problems arising in Manufacturing areas and recommend corrective action.
• Ability to process and establish the sequence of operations, assigning work centers and initiate time studies and project details to other departments.
• Ability to conduct studies to investigate new tooling performance and current manufacturing methods to improve productivity.
• Ability to conduct studies on new or existing manufacturing processes or equipment to determine its capability to meet quality requirements.
• Knowledge to develop product specifications for new product designs including engineering drawings, material selection, function and processing requirements.
• Ability to interact with different departments within the company.
• Ability to access and make decisions and continually look to improve machine uptime, tooling usage, operator performance, defect rates, etc.
• Ability to work in a safe manner.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Hands-on expertise with Homag machinery and automation systems in a high-volume production environment.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAM software, CNC programming, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Experience leading capital equipment projects, including equipment selection, installation, and commissioning.
• Strong understanding of factory layout optimization, workflow design, and capacity planning.
• Experience implementing and integrating manufacturing software, ERP systems, or Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Demonstrated success reducing manufacturing costs, improving machine uptime, and increasing productivity through data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates the cabinet manufacturing processes using Homag StoreTeqs, SawTeqs, CentaTeqs, EdgeTeqs and other advanced woodworking machinery and technology.
• Responsible for process improvements, implementing new technology products and equipment.
• Ensures all manufacturing processes are in compliance with all local, state and federal government laws and regulations.
• Analyzes and plans workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Facility layout, process flow charts, production schedules.
• Establishes performance standards.
• Confers with Manufacturing, Sales, Project Management and other staff to facilitate production.
• Troubleshoots problems and takes corrective action.
• Researches upgrades to existing equipment.
• Install and configure manufacturing software.
• Conduct training on European technology and equipment.
• Serves as liaison with all equipment manufacturers.
• Participates in long-range planning.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (cost & coverage details provided upon enrollment)
• Retirement plan (Traditional 401k and Roth 401k) with company match
• Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer paid Long-Term Disability
• Paid time off (including vacation and sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws)
• Paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level