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Junior Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

S&C

Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

Our manufacturing roles build the equipment that protects the critical infrastructure of the power ... Actively mentor and coach junior engineers and peers. Provide technical training and share ...

Pure Processing LLC

Junior Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Working directly with a seasoned Engineer, you'll build hands-on skills in sheet metal, CAD, new product development, manufacturing and more, with the freedom to flag a better process and actually go ...

Pure Processing

Junior Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Working directly with a seasoned Engineer, you'll build hands-on skills in sheet metal, CAD, new product development, manufacturing and more, with the freedom to flag a better process and actually go ...

MacLean-Fogg

Senior Tool Design Engineer

Mundelein, IL

$43.27 - $52.88/hr

... manufacturing processes. This pivotal role contributes to enhancing product quality, boosting ... The Senior Tool Design Engineer is also responsible for mentoring junior engineers, providing ...

MacLean-Fogg

Senior Tool Design Engineer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

... manufacturing processes. This pivotal role contributes to enhancing product quality, boosting ... The Senior Tool Design Engineer is also responsible for mentoring junior engineers, providing ...

MacLean-Fogg

Senior Tool Design Engineer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... manufacturing processes. This pivotal role contributes to enhancing product quality, boosting ... The Senior Tool Design Engineer is also responsible for mentoring junior engineers, providing ...

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All JobsManufacturing Engineer JobsJunior Manufacturing Engineer JobsJunior Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Junior Manufacturing Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$45K

$66.6K

$90.4K

How much do junior manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior manufacturing engineer in Elgin, IL is $66,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,800.00 and $73,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior manufacturing engineer?

Junior Manufacturing Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes within a production facility. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and at high quality. Their responsibilities often include analyzing workflow, troubleshooting equipment issues, and implementing process improvements. Junior Manufacturing Engineers typically collaborate with other departments such as quality control, maintenance, and production to meet organizational goals.

How does a junior manufacturing engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on process improvements?

As a Junior Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll regularly work alongside production supervisors, quality assurance staff, and design engineers to identify and implement process improvements. Collaboration often involves participating in team meetings, gathering feedback on manufacturing challenges, and supporting root cause analysis for production issues. You may also assist in developing and testing new workflows, ensuring changes meet safety and efficiency standards. This cross-functional teamwork not only boosts your problem-solving skills but also provides a well-rounded view of the entire manufacturing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and process improvement, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and quality control tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies is commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across departments and adapt to production challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality, and supporting efficient operations.

What is the difference between Junior Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectJunior Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and collaboration with engineering teamsHands-on equipment operation and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, engineering firms, product developmentFactories, production lines, assembly plants

Junior Manufacturing Engineers focus on process design, improvement, and engineering analysis, often requiring a degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do junior manufacturing engineers earn?

Junior manufacturing engineers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and experience. Entry-level roles may start lower, while additional skills such as CAD or Six Sigma can increase earning potential.

Is a junior manufacturing engineer a stressful job?

A junior manufacturing engineer role can involve stress due to tight production schedules, problem-solving, and quality control responsibilities. However, the level of stress varies depending on the work environment, workload, and support from team members. Developing technical skills and time management can help manage job-related stress.

Is a junior manufacturing engineer entry level?

Yes, a junior manufacturing engineer is typically an entry-level position suitable for recent graduates or those with limited industry experience. It often involves learning manufacturing processes, using tools like CAD software, and developing skills under supervision. Advancement usually requires gaining experience and technical knowledge.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Junior Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,561 per year, or $32 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer II

Dynamic Manufacturing

Hillside, IL • On-site

$79K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee manufacturing processes, tooling, and plant layouts to optimize production efficiency and product quality.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process development, implement improvements, and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives, including designing and implementing process enhancements and participating in Lean activities.

Dynamic Manufacturing rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Dynamic Manufacturing, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing team!  The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for all processes, continuous improvements, tooling, and manufacturing and plant layouts. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will oversee one or more product lines or facilities, with the responsibility for optimizing manufacturing processes, enhancing production efficiency, and ensuring product quality. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive and implement process development and improvements, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and support and/or lead new product launches.


At Dynamic Manufacturing, we offer:

  • An Engaging Work Environment
  • Opportunities for Advancement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Competitive Pay (we pay weekly!)
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package & 401(k) Match
  • Generous Paid Time Off, and more!
Technical Mastery:
  • Develop and apply strong technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment
  • Act as a key technical resource for troubleshooting tooling, automation, and process-related issues
  • Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of process and system documentation
  • Evaluate and assist in implementing new manufacturing technologies, tooling, and automation solutions to improve efficiency and performance

Product Line Management:
  • Support assigned product lines from development through production, ensuring process stability and performance
  • Ensure manufacturing processes meet product line objectives related to output, quality, and customer demand
  • Act as a technical point of contact between Engineering, Production, IT, Systems, Maintenance, and Supply Chain for process-related topics
  • Coordinate and implement engineering changes while minimizing disruption to production operations

Process Development, Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives to increase throughput, reduce cycle time, and improve yield
  • Assist in designing and implementing process improvements using Lean manufacturing methodologies
  • Optimize layouts, workflows, tooling, and equipment utilization to meet production demands
  • Develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) inputs
  • Participate in and help facilitate Lean activities (Kaizen events, Gemba walks, 5S, SMED, VSM)
  • Identify improvement opportunities through data analysis, operator feedback, and direct process observation
  • Support workstation and line improvements to enhance ergonomics, safety, material flow, and cycle time
  • Provide technical input and support implementation of tooling and gage design improvements

Strategic Leadership:
  • Support long-term manufacturing strategy through data analysis, capacity planning, and input on capital investment initiatives
  • Align assigned engineering projects with departmental and company objectives
  • Contribute technical insights and data to support decision-making on process improvements and equipment upgrades
  • Identify potential manufacturing challenges within assigned areas and proactively develop solutions to support production goals

Customer Support:
  • Provide technical support for internal and external customer needs related to manufacturing processes
  • Collaborate with Quality and Product Engineering to investigate customer concerns and support corrective actions
  • Participate in audits and ensure manufacturing processes comply with customer requirements and standards

Mentorship and Training:
  • Provide guidance and support to junior engineers in technical problem-solving and daily activities
  • Share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned to support team development
  • Assist in training team members on processes, equipment and continuous improvement tools

Cost and Quality Improvements:
  • Identify and support implementation of cost reduction initiatives related to processes, labor, tooling, and equipment
  • Collaborate with Quality to address non-conformances and support defect reduction efforts through corrective and preventive actions
  • Support APQP initiatives including PFMEA, 8D, PPAP

Collaborative Efforts:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product, Applications, Controls, and Test Engineers to support process optimization and product launches
  • Participate in cross-departmental projects and continuous improvement activities
  • Facilitate effective communication between teams such as Production, Quality, IT, Metrology, Maintenance, Finance to support operational goals


Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering or other engineering-related discipline, or equivalent work experience.

Technical, Process, and Industry Expertise:
  • Proficient in CAD software (Solidworks, AutoCAD, Inventor, etc.)
  • Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles with experience leading or co-leading Kaizen, 5S, or other continuous improvements initiatives
  • Proficient in developing and applying engineering documentation such as, Process Flow Diagrams, Work Instructions, PFMEAs to support product and process development
  • Experience supporting implementation of automation, tooling, and process improvements
  • Familiarity with standard manufacturing equipment, tools, and controls used in industrial production environments 
  • Exposure to industry standards and requirements (IATF 16949)
  • Solid understanding of safety, quality, productivity, demand planning, and operational principles
  • Experience with time studies, line balancing, standard work development, and process optimization
  • Strong problem-solving skills with experience applying Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, 8D, or similar methodologies

Business and Strategic Skills:
  • Working knowledge of business principles including budgeting, resource planning, and project execution
  • Experience supporting capital projects, cost reduction initiatives, or production line improvements
  • Ability to contribute to project planning, including timelines, resource coordination, and execution tracking
  • Skilling in prioritizing tasks and project alignment with production demands and organizational objectives

Leadership, Communication, and Collaboration:
  • Demonstrates the ability to lead smaller-scale projects or initiatives within a team environment
  • Effective communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills across cross-functional teams
  • Ability to collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain to drive manufacturing performance
  • Provides guidance and support to junior engineers, technicians, and operators
  • Capable of managing multiple tasks or projects with minimal supervision
  • Communicates technical information, project updates, and improvement initiatives to stakeholders and leadership
  • Build strong working relationships across departments to support production and operational goals


WHY CHOOSE DYNAMIC?

Dynamic Manufacturing is a family owned and operated organization formed in 1955 by John Partipilo. Our organization specializes in the manufacture of automotive, off-road, industrial and racing powertrain products. This includes Torque Converters, Transmissions (Automatic, Manual, Hybrid models) and Transfer Case Assemblies. 

Our organization started with a single retail facility and a dream. Today, we serve the aftermarket and several OE customers. Our operations consist of almost a million square feet of floor space and 1,000+ extremely talented employees encompassing turnkey operations from engineering, total machining operations, through assembly and dynamometer testing.  

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment 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.  

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