Associate Software Engineer Jobs in Belvidere, IL

Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary
We have an immediate opening for a full-time Manufacturing Engineer to support a leading aerospace manufacturing organization. This position is responsible for developing, optimizing, and supporting manufacturing processes for complex machine tool components while driving improvements in quality, cost, safety, and production efficiency.

The Manufacturing Engineer partners with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to evaluate product designs for manufacturability, develop machining processes, create tooling and fixture solutions, support CNC programming, and implement continuous process improvements. This role plays a key part in ensuring reliable, cost-effective manufacturing operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate engineering designs to ensure manufacturability while optimizing cost, quality, safety, and production schedules.
• Develop and improve manufacturing process plans for complex machined components.
• Design production tooling, fixtures, and work holding solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce production costs.
• Analyze manufacturing process flow and recommend process improvements.
• Support process planning activities for new and existing products.
• Create, modify, and optimize CNC programs using CATIA and CAM software.
• Verify CNC programs using Vericut simulation software.
• Select cutting tools and establish optimal machining parameters including feeds, speeds, and tooling strategies.
• Develop setup sheets, tooling documentation, and manufacturing instructions.
• Collaborate with Engineering to resolve drawing discrepancies and recommend design improvements for manufacturability.
• Optimize machining processes to improve cycle time, quality, and tool life.
• Apply fixture design principles for new product introduction and production improvements.
• Support inspection planning utilizing manual inspection and gauging methods.
• Develop and maintain Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) documentation.
• Provide tooling selection, tooling design, and manufacturing quotation support.
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications to develop reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and manufacturing documentation.
• Follow ISO quality standards, company procedures, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout manufacturing operations.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• Equivalent combination of education and ten (10) or more years of manufacturing engineering experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of manufacturing engineering experience within a precision machining or CNC manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes and machine tool capabilities.
• Proficiency in blueprint interpretation, GD&T, trigonometry, decimals, and fractions.
• Experience with CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD/CAM software.
• Experience creating and modifying CNC programs using G & M code.
• Experience with Vericut or similar CNC simulation software.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tool technology, tooling selection, and machining optimization.
• Experience designing manufacturing fixtures and tooling.
• Knowledge of inspection methods, precision measuring equipment, and quality verification processes.
• Experience supporting manufacturing quotations and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively across multiple departments.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and conduct.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or possess a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Compensation & Benefits

• $80,000 - $120,000 (Heavily dependent upon experience)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and retirement benefits.

Location: Rockford, IL

About Lean Synergy Solutions

Lean Synergy Solutions is a Veteran-owned and operated recruiting firm specializing in connecting highly skilled professionals with mission-critical opportunities across aerospace, manufacturing, defense, government, and industrial sectors. Our team of veterans and industry experts is committed to delivering exceptional talent solutions while supporting veterans, military spouses, transitioning service members, and civilian professionals in achieving long-term career success.

Lean Synergy Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applic