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Machine Safety Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Conduct thermal and mechanical performance analysis to ensure machine reliability, safety, and operational efficiency. * Collaborate with controls, electrical, and automation engineers to develop ...

Electrical Engineer

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Ensure all designs comply with applicable electrical and machine safety standards. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a ...

Ensure all designs comply with applicable electrical and machine safety standards. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a ...

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Machine Safety Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$31.1K

$127.3K

$191.3K

How much do machine safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine safety engineer in Elgin, IL is $127,290.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,300.00 and $153,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine safety engineer?

Machine Safety Engineers are professionals who specialize in ensuring that machinery and industrial equipment operate safely and comply with relevant safety standards and regulations. They assess risks, design and implement safety systems, and conduct inspections and audits to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Their work often involves collaborating with design, maintenance, and operations teams to identify potential hazards and develop solutions that minimize risk while maintaining productivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine safety engineer?

To thrive as a Machine Safety Engineer, you need expertise in engineering principles, risk assessment, and safety standards such as ISO 13849 or IEC 62061, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with safety analysis tools, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and certifications like TÜV Functional Safety Engineer is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring compliance. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing safe machinery, preventing workplace accidents, and meeting regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by machine safety engineers when implementing new safety protocols in manufacturing environments?

Machine Safety Engineers often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from operators, integrating safety solutions with legacy machinery, and ensuring compliance with ever-evolving safety regulations. Balancing productivity goals with rigorous safety standards can require creative problem-solving and strong communication skills. Collaborating with production teams, maintenance staff, and management is key to successfully implementing new protocols, as it helps ensure buy-in and proper training across all levels.

What is the difference between Machine Safety Engineer vs Safety Technician?

AspectMachine Safety EngineerSafety Technician
CertificationsOSHA 30/ OSHA 500, CSP, or equivalentOSHA 10/ OSHA 30, safety-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning safety protocols, risk assessments, and compliance in manufacturing or industrial settingsImplementing safety procedures, inspections, and incident investigations on-site
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial plants, engineering firmsFactories, construction sites, industrial facilities

While both roles focus on workplace safety, Machine Safety Engineers primarily design safety systems and ensure compliance during the development phase, whereas Safety Technicians implement safety measures and conduct inspections on the ground. Both roles are essential for maintaining a safe work environment in industrial settings.

Are safety engineers in demand?

Safety engineers, including machine safety engineers, are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, construction, and energy due to increasing safety regulations and the need to prevent workplace accidents. They often require knowledge of safety standards, risk assessment, and safety management systems, making their skills valuable in ensuring compliance and protecting workers.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Safety Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Machine Safety Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Safety Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Safety Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Machine Safety Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Machine Safety Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Safety Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,290 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Machine Safety Consultant (Machine Guarding) - Chicago |C2C or W2

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

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Job description

About the Role


Cullerton Group is seeking a Machine Safety Engineer – Machine Guarding to support a large industrial manufacturing facility in Chicago.

The engagement will begin with a six-week machine safety assessment project focused on identifying, documenting, and prioritizing machine guarding and safety deficiencies across approximately 50 pieces of production equipment.


Following the assessment, the project is expected to move into a second phase focused on implementing the recommended improvements, including the design, modification, and installation of machine guarding and other safety solutions.


This engagement has the potential to develop into a long-term, multi-year onsite assignment supporting ongoing machine safety improvements.


Phase 1 – Machine Safety Assessment

The initial six-week scope will focus on assessing and prioritizing machine safety risks.

Responsibilities include:

  • Perform onsite safety and guarding assessments of approximately 50 priority production machines
  • Evaluate existing machine guarding, barriers, openings, access points, pinch points, and other hazards
  • Assess equipment against applicable OSHA requirements and ANSI machine safety standards
  • Take measurements of guards, openings, clearances, and safety distances
  • Document findings by machine/asset number
  • Identify specific deficiencies and recommended corrective actions
  • Prioritize findings based on risk, severity, and urgency
  • Develop clear assessment reports and remediation recommendations
  • Coordinate assessments around production schedules and equipment lockouts
  • Work with EHS, engineering, maintenance, and production personnel throughout the assessment


Equipment may include lathes, shears, punch presses, drill presses, milling machines, saws, grinders, and other industrial manufacturing equipment.


Phase 2 – Machine Guarding Implementation

Following completion of the assessment, the project is expected to transition into implementation of the identified corrective actions.


The engineer may support:

  • Develop detailed solutions for machine guarding deficiencies identified during Phase 1
  • Design or specify new guards, barriers, enclosures, and other safeguarding solutions
  • Modify or improve existing machine guarding
  • Develop requirements, drawings, sketches, or specifications for guarding modifications
  • Coordinate fabrication and installation of guarding solutions
  • Work with internal maintenance, engineering, and outside equipment/fabrication vendors
  • Verify completed modifications address the original safety findings
  • Perform follow-up inspections and document completed corrective actions
  • Support additional machine assessments and remediation as the program expands


Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in machine safety, machine guarding, manufacturing safety, safety engineering, or a closely related field
  • Hands-on experience conducting machine safety or machine guarding assessments
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA machine guarding requirements
  • Working knowledge of applicable ANSI machine safety standards, particularly ANSI B11
  • Experience assessing common manufacturing equipment such as lathes, mills, presses, saws, grinders, and drills
  • Ability to identify machine hazards and recommend specific, practical corrective actions
  • Experience with the design or implementation of machine guarding solutions strongly preferred
  • Ability to create or interpret technical drawings, sketches, or guarding specifications
  • Comfortable working independently in an active manufacturing environment
  • Strong technical documentation and communication skills


Preferred Background

  • Machine Safety Engineer
  • Machinery Safety Engineer
  • Machine Guarding Engineer/Specialist
  • Safety Engineer with significant machine safety experience
  • Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineer specializing in machine safety
  • EHS Engineer with hands-on machine guarding experience


The ideal candidate has experience with both sides of the process: walking a manufacturing floor and identifying machine safety deficiencies, then helping engineer and implement the physical solution required to correct them.