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Contract Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Manufacturing Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manufacturing Engineer Location : Near Lemont, IL Hire Type : Long Term Contract Pay : $90k-$100k ... As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package ...

System One

Manufacturing Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$45 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contract Compensation: $45.00 - $51.00 per hour Work Model: Onsite Overview Join a leading medical technology manufacturer as a Manufacturing Engineer supporting equipment installations, process ...

System One

Manufacturing Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$45 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contract Compensation: $45.00 - $51.00 per hour Work Model: Onsite Overview Join a leading medical technology manufacturer as a Manufacturing Engineer supporting equipment installations, process ...

System One

Manufacturing Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$45 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contract Compensation: $45.00 - $51.00 per hour Work Model: Onsite Overview Join a leading medical technology manufacturer as a Manufacturing Engineer supporting equipment installations, process ...

System One

Manufacturing Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$45 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contract Compensation: $45.00 - $51.00 per hour Work Model: Onsite Overview Join a leading medical technology manufacturer as a Manufacturing Engineer supporting equipment installations, process ...

System One

Manufacturing Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$45 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contract Compensation: $45.00 - $51.00 per hour Work Model: Onsite Overview Join a leading medical technology manufacturer as a Manufacturing Engineer supporting equipment installations, process ...

System One

Manufacturing Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$45 - $51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Contract Compensation: $45.00 - $51.00 per hour Work Model: Onsite Overview Join a leading medical technology manufacturer as a Manufacturing Engineer supporting equipment installations, process ...

Pentair

Manufacturing Engineer

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pentair is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to evaluate, develop and improve ... Able to source outside vendors, define SOW's and manage contract deliverables. * Responsible for ...

Pentair

Manufacturing Engineer

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$82K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pentair is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to evaluate, develop and improve ... Able to source outside vendors, define SOW's and manage contract deliverables. * Responsible for ...

Pentair

Manufacturing Engineer

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$82K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pentair is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to evaluate, develop and improve ... Able to source outside vendors, define SOW's and manage contract deliverables. * Responsible for ...

Freseniusglobal

Manufacturing Engineer

Melrose Park, IL

$80K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary THIS JOB IS A FULL-TIME ONSITE POSITION, NO CONTRACT WORK AVAILABLE. THIS JOB IS NOT ... The Manufacturing Engineer uses knowledge and technical expertise in support of daily operations ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Manufacturing Engineer JobsContract Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contract Manufacturing Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$49K

$88.3K

$123.7K

How much do contract manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract manufacturing engineer in Chicago, IL is $88,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $96,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges contract manufacturing engineers face when managing multiple vendor relationships?

Contract Manufacturing Engineers often juggle several vendor relationships simultaneously, which can present challenges in maintaining consistent quality standards, ensuring timely delivery, and managing clear communication across different teams. Balancing the expectations of internal stakeholders with the capabilities and constraints of external partners requires strong organizational and negotiation skills. Proactively addressing production issues and fostering transparent communication with vendors are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, ERP systems, and Lean or Six Sigma certifications are commonly required for overseeing production efficiency and compliance. Strong project management, problem-solving skills, and effective communication with both internal teams and external vendors make professionals stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing solutions and seamless collaboration across organizations.

What is the difference between Contract Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectContract Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Six Sigma or LeanBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Six Sigma or Lean
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often project-specific, in manufacturing plants or supplier facilitiesFull-time, in manufacturing plants or corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing firms, suppliers, contract manufacturersManufacturing companies, industrial firms, OEMs

Both roles require similar technical credentials and work in manufacturing environments. However, Contract Manufacturing Engineers focus on managing outsourced production projects, while Manufacturing Engineers oversee ongoing production processes within a company. The choice depends on whether the role is project-specific or continuous process improvement.

What is a contract manufacturing engineer?

A Contract Manufacturing Engineer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to manage and optimize manufacturing processes for a company. Their responsibilities often include designing efficient production systems, ensuring product quality, and collaborating with suppliers or contract manufacturers. They may also help with scaling production, troubleshooting issues, and implementing cost-saving measures. Contract Manufacturing Engineers are typically employed for their specialized expertise and flexibility, supporting organizations during periods of transition, growth, or when specific skills are needed.
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Contract Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
Contract Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,264 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer (Contract)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$50 - $65/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Hire Type: Contract
Compensation: $50.00–$65.00/hour (Based on Experience)
Schedule: Full-Time | 100% Onsite
Position Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support a highly automated medical device manufacturing operation in Buffalo Grove, IL. This contract opportunity will focus on maintaining and improving high-speed automated packaging and assembly equipment while supporting production reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong mechanical engineering background with the ability to troubleshoot complex automation equipment, identify root causes of recurring equipment failures, and develop clear technical documentation and work instructions. Candidates with exposure to controls systems, PCB troubleshooting, and automated manufacturing equipment are highly desirable.
This position supports the final manufacturing operation before product distribution, making it a critical role in ensuring equipment reliability, production efficiency, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
Troubleshoot and repair high-speed automated manufacturing equipment with a primary focus on mechanical systems.
Diagnose recurring equipment issues and perform root cause analysis to implement permanent corrective actions.
Develop, update, and maintain technical work instructions, equipment documentation, and standard operating procedures.
Support production by resolving mechanical, automation, and basic electrical issues to minimize downtime.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Reliability, Controls, Quality, and Production teams to improve equipment performance.
Assist with continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, and uptime.
Support automated equipment utilizing drive motors, cam-driven mechanisms, vision inspection systems, and serialized product tracking.
Assist with troubleshooting PCB-related hardware and controls issues when necessary.
Participate in equipment improvement projects and provide engineering support across multiple manufacturing initiatives.
Ensure all work is performed in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Experience troubleshooting and supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude with experience repairing automated machinery and understanding mechanical drive systems.
Experience performing root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions to improve equipment reliability.
Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, work instructions, and equipment procedures.
Basic electrical troubleshooting skills.
Experience working in either the medical device, food, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with PLC-controlled automation systems.
Familiarity with PCB hardware or controls troubleshooting.
Experience supporting machine vision systems and serialized manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or TPM methodologies.
Experience supporting highly automated production or packaging equipment.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate is a hands-on manufacturing engineer who enjoys solving complex equipment problems on the production floor. They possess strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, can effectively identify and eliminate recurring equipment failures, and are comfortable developing technical documentation while supporting a fast-paced, highly automated manufacturing environment. Experience in medical device or food manufacturing is strongly preferred due to the regulated nature of the operation.