Defense Electrical Engineer Jobs in Romeoville, IL

OVERVIEW

Cadrex is seeking a Supplier Manufacturing Engineer who is responsible for ensuring suppliers meet our company’s quality, delivery, and cost objectives. This role focuses on process capability, lean manufacturing implementation, continuous improvement, and on time delivery at the supplier level, with an emphasis on new product introduction (NPI) and supplier onboarding.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with suppliers to develop and optimize manufacturing processes that meet company requirements for quality, efficiency, and cost
• Provide technical guidance during new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp-up at supplier sites
• Conduct process capability studies, PFMEAs, and control plan reviews to ensure robust manufacturing processes
• Partner with Quality and Supply Chain teams to address supplier quality issues, implement corrective actions, and verify effectiveness
• Lead supplier process audits and capability assessments to ensure compliance with specifications, industry standards, and contractual requirements
• Support sourcing decisions by evaluating supplier technical capabilities and capacity
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement improvement plans where necessary
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through process improvement, yield enhancement, and scrap reduction
• Support supplier tooling, fixture design, and equipment requirements as needed
• Facilitate training and knowledge sharing with suppliers on company standards, best practices, and lean manufacturing principles
• Travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations as required to provide on-site support

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in information communication technology, aerospace, or industrial sheet metal assemblies manufacturing
• Proven ability to lead supplier process improvement initiatives
• Effective communicator with strong supplier relationship management skills
• Experience conducting root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D)
• Hands-on background in Lean transformation projects at suppliers
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems for supplier performance and scheduling
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or AS9100 quality systems
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis software (Minitab, JMP)
• Ability to influence suppliers toward best practices in manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement Strong working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication methods, including laser cutting, CNC punching, press brake forming, stamping, welding, mechanical assembly, and finishing
• Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings with GD&T
• Experience implementing and sustaining Lean manufacturing tools at suppliers (5S, value stream mapping, SMED, standardized work)
• Skilled in process control techniques (SPC, capability studies, PFMEA, control plans)
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, and supplier qualification processes

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field with 3–6 years of manufacturing engineering experience, specifically with sheet metal fabrication processes.
• In lieu of education, 10 to 15 years of direct manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in sheet metal fabrication with exposure to lean manufacturing processes.

LOCATION

• Remote with travel (~25 – 40%)

SCHEDULE

• Monday – Friday

CORE VALUES

• Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com.

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.