Contract Wire Edm Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Primary Roles and Function

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the New Project Launch Engineers in supporting new product introduction, process optimization, and continuous improvement across production and quality operations. This role oversees capital projects, develops technical standards, and manages a team of engineers and technicians to ensure alignment with customer requirements, operational excellence, and profitability goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the New Project Launch Engineering department to meet customer demand and achieve profit margin goals.
• Oversees preparation and implementation of product launches, specification changes, and process changes.
• Defines and recommends purchase of capital equipment; prepares investment budgets and payback analyses.
• Prepares and manages implementation plans for new part projects.
• Reviews, approves, and creates manufacturing work instructions.
• Creates or updates routings in the ERP system.
• Conducts time studies and labor analyses to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Defines quality plans in collaboration with Engineering and Quality teams.
• Analyzes technical requirements and specifications against internal process capabilities.
• Recommends drawing or specification changes to customers or suppliers.
• Leads resolution of production quality issues and creates rework instructions to maintain OEE.
• Manages, mentors, and coaches New Product Launch Engineers and Technicians to strengthen technical skills and team effectiveness.
• Mentors and serves as a technical resource to Manufacturing Engineers
• Provides training to production teams on key process changes.
• Provides onboarding and technical training for new Manufacturing New Product Launch Engineers.
• Manages vendor specifications and participates in technical negotiations.
• Participates in RFQ (Request for Quotation) processes to ensure technical feasibility.
• Drives lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations in support of company goals.

Core Requirements

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and priorities simultaneously.
• Advanced problem-solving and process optimization capabilities.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills for technical and customer documentation.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required:

• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing engineering experience, including supervisory/leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of part print specifications and requirements.
• Expertise in manufacturing and finishing processes including:
• Heat treating
• Alloy steels and aluminum grades
• Anodizing, phosphate, chrome plating
• Sand blasting, deburring, tumbling, mass finishing
• Investment casting
• Expertise in machining processes including:
• Horizontal, Vertical, CNC Fixed Stock Lathe, and Swiss Machining/Programming
• Grinding, honing
• Wire EDM, automated machines
• Fixture design and cutting tool specification
• Strong background in quality control, SPC tools, and process capability studies.
• Proficiency in inspection equipment including CMMs, optical measurement systems, and gauging.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience in labor analysis, workplace study, and time study.
• Proficient computer skills (Excel, Word, Visio; ERP systems a plus).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during an 8-hour shift.
• Regular exposure to manufacturing environments including noise, dust, and machinery.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in manufacturing engineering, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• In lieu of degree, 20+ years of equivalent technical experience may be considered.

Schmid Tool & Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

You should be proficient in:

• Leadership / People Management
• CNC Tooling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Repair
• CNC Machine Setup & Changeover