Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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NOTE: Internal Job Title is "Maintenance Materials Engineer"

Summary

The Maintenance Materials Planner (MRO / Spare Parts Management) is responsible for spare parts inventory management, procurement support, engineering change implementation (ECOs), work instruction development, and maintenance systems administration. This role serves as the primary liaison between Maintenance, Engineering, Purchasing, and Production to ensure material availability, accurate documentation, inventory optimization, and equipment reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand common repair and spare parts used in manufacturing and production equipment such as bearings, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components.
• Develop working knowledge of spare part life cycles, wear patterns, failure modes, and replacement planning.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining inventory min/max levels to ensure parts availability while controlling inventory costs.
• Support Kanban replenishment systems and maintain 5S standards within spare parts storage and maintenance areas.
• Prepare business justifications for purchases and complete purchasing requisitions in accordance with company procedures.
• Manage spare parts inventory, including receiving, issuing, tracking, and inventory accuracy of inbound and outbound materials.
• Review and approve spare parts requests while coordinating with maintenance technicians to determine repair priorities and required timelines.
• Track purchase orders, deliveries, and shipments, providing regular status updates to technicians and management.
• Maintain inventory records and purchasing activities in alignment with department budgets and cost-control objectives.
• Assist with cost-reduction initiatives, vendor sourcing, supplier evaluation, and procurement optimization activities.
• Design, organize, and maintain spare parts storage systems, including racking, shelving, labeling, and inventory location management.
• Create and maintain work instructions, inventory procedures, and spare parts management documentation.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and document revisions as required.
• Redline and update technical and procedural documents using Microsoft Word and related software tools.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel functions such as pivot tables, data analysis, reporting, and dashboard development.
• Compile, analyze, and present inventory, purchasing, and maintenance data to support business decisions.
• Use manufacturing and enterprise software systems such as IBM Maximo, Tririga, Agile, ERP, CMMS, or similar inventory and asset management platforms.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, purchasing, and operations teams to ensure critical spare parts availability and equipment reliability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory management, purchasing efficiency, equipment uptime, and cost savings.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reporting for inventory transactions, purchasing activities, and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• Understanding of industrial maintenance and manufacturing equipment components.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles, Kanban systems, and 5S methodologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience working with CMMS, ERP, inventory management, or manufacturing software systems (Ideal/Optional).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively with technicians, suppliers, and management.
• Experience with purchasing processes, vendor management, and spare parts inventory control preferred.

What you'll receive for the great work you provide:

• Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Matching 401(k) Contributions
• Vacation and Paid Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement

Application Deadline:

Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume.

Job Posting Start Date 07-08-2026 Job Posting End Date 09-08-2026

The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity.

$63,900.00 USD - $87,800.00 USDAnnualJob CategoryProduction Engineering

Is Sponsorship Available?

NoFlex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).