Illinois Tool Works

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Illinois Tool Works • $100K — $120K *
Richton Park, IL 60471Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Plastics Engineering required.
  • 6+ years of manufacturing engineering experience needed.
  • Strong expertise in plastic injection molding required; automotive Tier 1 experience preferred.
  • Proven track record in plant layout, capacity planning, and WIP strategy is essential.
  • Experience with packaging design and customer packaging requirements is a plus.
  • Advanced proficiency in layout software and 3D CAD systems is required; SolidWorks preferred.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 6S, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methods is crucial.

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex manufacturing engineering projects in injection molding and light assembly.
  • Serve as the technical owner for plant layout and capacity planning.
  • Conduct production machine and assembly capacity analysis to optimize utilization.
  • Develop manufacturing processes using layout software and 3D CAD tools.
  • Conduct manufacturability reviews for new product designs.
  • Manage and update PFMEA, process flows, and standard work guidelines.
  • Oversee launch packaging strategy and maintain compliance with customer requirements.
  • Support supply chain analysis for packaging fleet size and production needs.
  • Maintain customer-facing documentation and capacity portals.
  • Implement adjustments in response to safety and quality alerts.
  • Drive 6S layout improvements and safe work standards in the plant.
  • Lead root cause analysis for safety, quality, downtime, and process stability issues.
  • Develop capital requirements for various projects and coordinate implementations.
  • Mentor junior engineers and production personnel.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and mentoring.
  • Involvement in exciting and complex projects involving cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
  • Exposure to a dynamic work environment with cross-functional collaboration.
  • Visibility and influence over plant-wide manufacturing engineering decisions.
  • Potential for leadership roles in future projects or initiatives.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

SUMMARY

Serves as the senior manufacturing engineering technical leader for plastic injection molding and light assembly operations. Leads whole plant layout strategy, capacity planning, customer capacity portals, launch packaging strategy, expendable and returnable packaging design, production readiness, PFMEA systems, safety-alert response, 6S cell layouts, manufacturability input, and complex continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead complex manufacturing engineering projects related to injection molding, light assembly, automation, tooling, fixtures, packaging, material flow, plant layout, capacity, safety, quality, and productivity.
  • Serve as first-in-charge technical owner for whole plant layout and capacity planning, including production machines, injection molding presses, assembly cells, labor assumptions, floor space, WIP, material flow, packaging flow, storage, and future growth needs.
  • Lead production machine, press, and assembly capacity analysis; define and implement adjustments to meet customer demand, improve utilization, reduce bottlenecks, and support launch and production requirements.
  • Lead concept design for manufacturing processes, automation, fixtures, workstations, cell layouts, packaging systems, safe work areas, and material flow using layout software and 3D CAD tools.
  • Lead new product design manufacturability reviews to ensure ease of manufacturability, assembly feasibility, packaging feasibility, process capability, safety, serviceability, and efficient production flow.
  • Lead manufacturing and automation projects, including creation, review, and updates to PFMEA documents, process flows, control plans, setup sheets, standard work, troubleshooting guides, and launch documentation.
  • Own launch packaging strategy for assigned programs, including expendable and returnable packaging design, customer requirement compliance, packaging validation/testing, supplier coordination, documentation, and production readiness.
  • Maintain and govern customer packaging requirements, ensuring plant packaging standards, customer specifications, quality expectations, shipping requirements, ergonomics, and operational needs are met.
  • Support operations and supply chain in determining packaging fleet size and ordering requirements for production needs, including returnable loop calculations, expendable consumption, ramp-up plans, and contingency planning.
  • Maintain and validate customer capacity portals and customer-facing capacity documentation, ensuring alignment between customer demand, quoted capacity, equipment capability, plant layout, and actual production performance.
  • Define WIP strategy and requirements across the plant by evaluating customer demand, cycle times, changeovers, packaging quantities, kanban or supermarket needs, storage constraints, and production stability.
  • Lead adjustments in response to safety alerts, customer alerts, internal quality issues, ergonomic concerns, equipment changes, capacity constraints, and manufacturing risk assessments.
  • Drive 6S cell layout improvements and safe work area standards across the plant, including material presentation, traffic flow, ergonomic design, visual controls, and workstation organization.
  • Lead cross-functional root cause analysis and systemic corrective action for major safety, quality, downtime, scrap, packaging, capacity, launch, and process stability issues.
  • Develop capital requirements and justifications for equipment, tooling, packaging, layout, automation, safety, capacity, and productivity projects; coordinate implementation and post-launch validation.
  • Mentor Manufacturing Engineer I and II team members, technicians, and production support personnel; provide technical guidance, training recommendations, and project prioritization support.
  • Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent experience required.
  • 6+ years related manufacturing engineering experience required.
  • Strong experience in plastic injection molding required; automotive Tier 1 manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience leading plant layout, capacity planning, WIP strategy, production flow, launch readiness, and capital projects required.
  • Experience designing and launching expendable and returnable packaging, maintaining customer packaging requirements, and supporting packaging fleet size calculations preferred.
  • Experience maintaining customer capacity portals and customer-facing manufacturing readiness documentation preferred.
  • Advanced experience using layout software and 3D CAD systems required; SolidWorks preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 6S, Six Sigma, PFMEA, process flow, control plans, root cause corrective action, mistake-proofing, and continuous improvement methods.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor others, influence decisions, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to work overtime and weekends as required.


COMPETENCIES
  • Advanced technical and analytical skills
  • Plant layout and capacity planning leadership
  • Injection molding, assembly, packaging, and automation expertise
  • Complex problem solving and root cause leadership
  • Capital project development and justification
  • Cross-functional leadership and influence
  • Mentoring and technical coaching
  • Strategic prioritization and resource management
  • Continuous improvement leadership
  • Accountability, initiative, and results orientation


Compensation Information:

100,000 - 120,000

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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