Illinois Tool Works

Engineering Team Lead

Illinois Tool Works • $110K — $125K *
Carol Stream, IL 60188In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant applications or design experience
  • At least 2 years in a leadership role
  • Strong project management skills
  • Deep understanding of custom equipment design and manufacturing methods
  • Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and ERP/MRP systems
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a team of Applications and Design Engineers
  • Prioritize workload for quoting and design activities
  • Drive accountability through clear KPIs and performance reviews
  • Oversee timely creation of competitive custom quotations
  • Ensure alignment of customer needs with technical feasibility and commercial strategy
  • Support complex sales opportunities and ensure seamless order execution
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and drive standardization

Benefits

  • Support for continuous improvement initiatives
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Access to a collaborative work environment
  • Engagement in cross-functional projects
  • Potential for participation in global technical discussions
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Engineering Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, coordination, and execution of the North American Applications and Engineering team. This role ensures the timely and accurate delivery application review and custom quotations, engineered solutions through to order completion, aligning closely with Sales, Operations, and global Engineering teams. The position bridges commercial and technical execution, ensuring solutions are customer-focused, manufacturable, and delivered efficiently, while supporting continuous improvement and standardization.

Responsibilities:
  • Team Leadership & Execution
    • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Applications and Design Engineers to deliver high-quality outputs
    • Assign and prioritize workload across quoting, design, and order processing activities
    • Ensure balanced resource allocation to meet fluctuating sales and production demand
    • Drive accountability through clear expectations, KPIs, and regular performance reviews
  • Applications (Pre-Sales & Order Processing)
    • Oversee the creation of accurate, competitive, and timely custom quotations
    • Ensure strong alignment between:
      • Customer requirements
      • Commercial strategy
      • Technical feasibility
    • Support Regional Sales Managers in complex or strategic opportunities with process like:
      • Bid package/ URS reviews
      • Customer product performance testing
    • Ensure seamless transition from quote 12 order 12 execution
    • Drive consistency and standardization in quoting tools, and documentation
    • Support Regional Sales Managers in complex, strategic, or highly customized application opportunities, including participation in the Global Technical Enquiries process
  • Engineering
    • Oversee & contribute to the design of custom equipment for production
    • Ensure designs are:
      • Fit for purpose
      • Cost-effective
      • Aligned with manufacturing capabilities (DFM focus)
    • Collaborate closely with:
      • Production
      • Manufacturing Engineering/ Quality
      • Supply Chain
    • Support resolution of design-related issues during production and installation
    • Participate in the global Product Change Notification (PCN) process and ensure applicable regional changes are reviewed, communicated, and implemented
    • Collaborate with global teams (UK/CZ) where required to support alignment on technical solutions, standards, and product changes
  • Cross-Functional Alignment
    • Act as the primary interface between Engineering, Sales, and Operations
    • Ensure engineering outputs align with:
      • Production capacity
      • Lead times
      • Supply chain constraints
    • Support production and service teams in resolving technical challenges
    • Collaborate with global teams (UK/CZ) where required
  • Process Improvement & Standardization
    • Identify and implement improvements to:
      • Quoting efficiency
      • Design processes
      • Order execution workflows
    • Drive standardization and modularization of solutions where possible
    • Support ITW principles (80/20, Front-to-Back, In-lining)
    • Develop and track relevant KPIs (e.g., quote turnaround time, engineering cycle time, error rates)
  • Quality & Compliance
    • Ensure all engineering outputs meet:
      • Internal standards
      • Regulatory requirements (e.g., CE, UL where applicable)
    • Support resolution of non-conformances related to design or application
    • Promote a right-first-time engineering culture


In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the position holder is expected to support related business, operational, and continuous improvement activities as reasonably directed by leadership.

Key Interfaces:
  • Internal:
    • Applied Technology & Engineering, Product Support & Service, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, Customer Relations, Human Resources
  • External:
    • Customers, Vendors, Suppliers


Requirements:

Essential:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant applications, mechanical or electrical design experience
  • Minimum 2 years of notable experience as a leader or senior role
  • Project management
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Custom equipment design, mechanically and/or electrically
    • Manufacturing methods
  • Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferable) and ERP/MRP systems
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Hands-on, detail oriented, analytical with proven problem-solving skills


Desirable:
  • Experience in the design of capital equipment for the Food and Packaging industry
  • Familiarity with ITW principles (80/20, Front-to-Back)
  • Experience supporting both sales and production environments


Compensation Information:

$110000-$125000

About Illinois Tool Works

ITW is an industrial manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of industrial machinery, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. It's in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which they live and work, the cars they drive, and the mobile devices they rely on. It was founded in 1912 and headquartered in Glenview Nas, Illinois.

Illinois Tool Works Careers

Join the dynamic team at Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a global leader in diversified manufacturing, where innovation and excellence drive us forward. ITW offers unparalleled job opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and leadership in the industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Illinois Tool Works, you will be part of a professional community that thrives on creativity and innovation. Our employees are equipped with the skills needed to succeed and are provided with endless opportunities for professional growth. Engage in work that matters, with projects that transform industries and enhance futures.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a seasoned professional position, ITW offers a range of career paths across various departments. Our team benefits from a supportive and diverse working environment where every member’s contribution is valued.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation leads to revolutionary solutions in industries worldwide. At ITW, you will work alongside industry experts to develop new ideas and strategies that keep us at the forefront of technological advancements. Your career at ITW will be marked by a continuous journey of growth and leadership.

Develop Your Skills

With ITW’s commitment to professional development and diversity training, you will enhance your skills through targeted training programs and workshops. These opportunities not only boost your career but also ensure you stay competitive in the job market.

Be Part of Our Culture

ITW is dedicated to building a culture that respects and embraces diversity, encourages innovation, and fosters leadership. Our team is our greatest asset, and we believe in providing them with the benefits and resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.

Networking and Professional Growth

Expand your professional network through ITW’s global presence and collaborative work environment. Engage with professionals across different sectors, gaining insights that can lead to significant career advancements. Our networking events and professional groups help you connect with key industry leaders and peers.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on the ITW Careers page. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest industry trends, company news, and career tips by following our careers blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails, tailored to your preferences and career goals. Explore the opportunities at Illinois Tool Works today and discover how your expertise can help shape the future of our company and the industries we serve. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through innovation and leadership.
Learn more about Illinois Tool Works
Size
45,000 employees
Market Cap
$68.1 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$2.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+1.2%
Revenue
$12.5 billion
NASDAQ
ITW
* Ladders Estimates

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