Associate Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

A Manufacturing Process Launch Engineer manages new product/process introductions and changes, working with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless factory readiness by validating processes, equipment, and quality standards, focusing on new process/product launches through robust planning, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement, acting as the key manufacturing owner during ramp-up to achieve quality, cost, and schedule targets.
Perform detailed and complex job functions (ie. normal course of business activities). Investigate and recommend ways to improve efficiency in manufacturing, daily job activities on the manufacturing floor. May be required to work off shift schedule when necessary and needed for manufacturing support, startups, new line set ups and manufacturing downtime issues.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Program Leadership: Drive all operational aspects of new product/process introductions and major changes, acting as the single manufacturing owner during ramp-up.
• Process Development & Validation: Define, document, and validate new assembly, molding, welding, and testing processes, ensuring equipment and fixtures meet standards. (PV Process)
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Design, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and other Project Support Groups to meet all validation and implementation targets.
• Quality & Performance Monitoring: Monitor yields, scrap, throughput, and downtime, leading rapid response to issues and implementing corrective actions (e.g., using 8D, 5 Whys).
• Data Analysis: Conduct capability studies (Cp, Cpk) and interpret data to drive process stability.
• Documentation & Handoff: Prepare documentation and ensure smooth transitions (handoff) to standard production teams.
• Continuous Improvement: Capture lessons learned and implement standardized improvements for future launches.
• Write process design specifications.
• Analyze blueprints and interpret technical data.
• Implement engineering plans by evaluating current situations.
• Handle capital expenditure budget acquisition and control. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure achievement of section, department, or company plan.
• Develop schedule and coordinate activities of machinery and tooling suppliers.• Design equipment layouts for individual lines, cells, and zones. • Oversee manufacturing of product for pre-production trials. • Train manufacturing/maintenance members on new and improved processes.• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure achievement of section, department, or company plan.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES• Ability to prioritize workload. • Effective planning and implementation skills. • Detail oriented. • Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.• Knowledge of machine mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, and materials.• Effective trouble-shooting skills. • Strong "hands-on" ability. • Capable of reading and understanding schematics.• Computer skills, Excel, Word, Email, Power Point, Solid works.• PLC programming experience.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED• A bachelor's degree is REQUIRED.
OR• An associate's degree with minimum 3-5 years' experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
OR• 5-10 years' experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
ORGANIZATIONAL (AND OUTSIDE) RELATIONSHIPSCustomer
Design
Manufacturing
Maintenance
Quality
Advanced Launch
Quality Control
OMC
Production Control
etc.
WORK ENVIRONMENT• Office/Desk
• Manufacturing Floor
• Occasional Travel
PHYSICAL DEMANDS / REQUIREMENTSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical Demands / Requirements(0-33%)(34-66%)(67-100%)1. Standing • 2. Walking • 3. Sitting• 4. Lifting (weight 40 lb)• 5. Heaviest Weight Lifted (40 lb)• 6. Carrying (weight 40 lb)• 7. Heavy Weight Carried (40 lb)• 8. Pushing/Pulling• 9. Weight Pushed/Pulled (40 lb)• 10. Climbing• 11. Balancing• 12. Bending/Stoop• 13. Crawling• 14. Reaching • 15. Reach Above Shoulder• 16. Work Above Shoulder• 17. Walk on Uneven Ground• 18. Fine Manipulation• 19. Gross Manipulation• 20. Simple Grasping• 21. Power Grip• 22. Hand Twisting• 23. Twisting of body• 24. Kneeling• 25. Crouching•
• A bachelor's degree is REQUIRED.
OR
• An Associates degree with minimum 3-5 years' experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
OR
• 5-10 years' experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.