Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting manufacturing processes for LED lighting products. This role focuses on increasing production efficiency, improving product quality, reducing costs, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing process. The Manufacturing Engineer works closely with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Product Engineering teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable manufacturing operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·       Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for LED lighting products and assemblies.

·       Analyze production processes to identify opportunities for improvements in efficiency, quality, safety, and cost reduction.

·       Design and implement manufacturing work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process documentation.

·       Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures.

·       Collaborate with Design Engineering to ensure products are manufacturable and cost-effective.

·       Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to assembly, testing, equipment, and product quality.

·       Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

·       Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.

·       Evaluate and recommend equipment, tooling, automation, and process improvements.

·       Establish and monitor key manufacturing metrics, including productivity, yield, scrap, and downtime.

·       Support production line balancing and capacity planning activities.

·       Participate in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Process Flow, and Control Plan development.

·       Ensure compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and company policies.

·       Train production employees on new processes, equipment, and manufacturing methods.

·       Support ERP system activities, including Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, and manufacturing documentation.

·       Assist Quality and Operations teams with customer complaints, audits, and corrective actions.

Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

·       Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing engineering experience; experience in LED lighting or electronics manufacturing preferred.

·       Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

·       Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and production flow.

·       Experience with root cause analysis tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone Diagram, and Pareto Analysis.

·       Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems; experience with Genius ERP preferred.

·       Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD preferred.

·       Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

·       Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Experience in LED lighting, electronics, or electrical product manufacturing.

·       Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification.

·       Experience with automated manufacturing equipment and test systems.

·       Knowledge of UL, DLC, and lighting industry standards.

Physical Requirements:

·       Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.

·       Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.

·       Ability to occasionally travel to suppliers, customers, or other company locations as needed.

Key Competencies

·       Continuous Improvement

·       Process Optimization

·       Problem Solving

·       Project Management

·       Team Collaboration

·       Attention to Detail

·       Data Analysis

·       Lean Manufacturing Principles

·       Safety Awareness

Labor Solutions, LLC is a leader in the professional, temporary, and direct hire industry throughout the Midwest area. Our clients range from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations, and while we are big enough to serve Fortune 100 companies, we are small enough to stay nimble in an always-changing market.

Thank you!