Associate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Summary of Position:

The Mechanical Engineer II independently designs, develops, analyzes, tests, and supports mechanical systems, components, and equipment throughout the product lifecycle. This position applies established engineering principles and industry best practices to execute moderately complex engineering assignments while supporting new product development, product improvements, cost reduction initiatives, manufacturing support, and continuous improvement activities. The Mechanical Engineer II is expected to manage assigned projects with limited supervision, provide technical recommendations, collaborate across functional teams, and contribute to the successful delivery of high-quality, reliable products. Additionally, this role serves as a technical resource for junior engineers and supports the development and implementation of engineering standards, processes, and best practices.

Essential Functions:

• Independently design and develop mechanical systems, structures, components, and assemblies for new and existing products.  
• Lead small to medium-sized engineering projects from concept through release and implementation.  
• Perform advanced engineering calculations, analyses, and design validation activities with limited supervision.  
• Develop and review engineering drawings, specifications, test procedures, and technical documentation.  
• Create and implement engineering change notices (ECNs) and manage product configuration changes.  
• Support manufacturing, service, quality, and supply chain teams by resolving technical issues and implementing corrective actions.  
• Conduct root cause investigations and develop corrective and preventive actions for product and process improvements.  
• Evaluate supplier designs, technical proposals, and component selections for performance, quality, and cost effectiveness.  
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations to engineering leadership.  
• Interface directly with customers, suppliers, and field service personnel to resolve design and performance issues.  
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, standardization, and continuous improvement across product lines.  
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA), structural analysis, or other engineering simulations as required.  
• Support testing activities, including test planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting.  
• Mentor Associate Mechanical Engineers, interns, and co-op students.  
• Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines.  
• Demonstrate technical ownership of assigned systems and products throughout the product lifecycle. 

 Required Competencies:

• Able to identify and synthesize relevant data and take appropriate and timely action when required in own area of responsibility. 
• Makes technical decisions independently within defined project scope. 
• Evaluates multiple solutions and recommends the most effective approach. 
• Prioritizes and organizes tasks and assignments to meet project deadlines and manage workload efficiently. 
• Needs little direction or encouragement to pursue tasks in area of responsibility. 
• Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important. 
• Demonstrates willingness to learn and accept increasing responsibility. 
• Takes ownership of assigned tasks and follows through to completion. 
• Manages own schedule, scope, and deliverables for assigned projects. 
• Coordinates activities across multiple functional groups. 
• Provides technical guidance to junior engineers. 
• Leads project meetings and drives actions to closure. 
• Uses knowledge of theory or of different past trends or situations to look at current situations. 
• Demonstrates the application of identified trends to similar process units for business improvement. 
• Applies and modifies complex learned concepts or methods appropriately. 
• Shows evidence of more sophisticated pattern recognition. 
• Can consistently establish cause and effect and find root cause. 
• Uses a systematic approach that accounts for all observations and cases. 
• Can thoroughly articulate analysis to others in an organized/understandable fashion. 
• Applies engineering fundamentals to solve moderately complex technical problems. 
• Collects, organizes, and evaluates technical data to support engineering decisions. 
• Maintains accuracy and attention to detail in design and analysis, identifying potential issues before they escalate. 
• Takes initiative to stay current with new approaches to tools, methods or technologies in own discipline through reading, talking to others, attending courses, or by experimenting with new approaches.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of machine design, manufacturing processes, structural analysis, and product development. 
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation. 
• Applies engineering calculations and analysis methods. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. 
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar platforms. 
• Familiarity with ERP, PDM, or PLM systems is beneficial. 

Additional Position Information:

• Up to 20% travel required to support testing, product validation, supplier visits, or customer support activities.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in applicable engineering field from an accredited institution.
• 3+ years' practical engineering experience

Preferred Experience:

• Experience using 3D CAD software.  
• Experience with product development, manufacturing, or industrial equipment.  
• Familiarity with engineering documentation and drawing standards.  
• Experience in heavy equipment, mobile machinery, industrial equipment, structural systems, or related industries preferred. 

Compensation/Benefits: 

We foster a collaborative team environment that values innovation and encourages creative solutions to drive positive organizational impact. Our employees are the key to our success and help us stand out from our competitors. The final compensation offer may vary based on factors such as experience, education, skills, and location. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Lanco is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment-related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline (including termination), evaluation, training, and development opportunities, are made without discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, military status, protected disability, citizenship, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable law.