Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Industrial / Manufacturing Engineer - CNC Tube Bending

Job Description

This position seeks an Industrial / Manufacturing Engineer with strong expertise in CNC tube bending to design, develop, and optimize metal tube forming processes. The role focuses heavily on advanced tube-bending applications while also supporting broader manufacturing initiatives, including CNC machining, process improvement, and Industry 4.0 adoption. You will work in a hands-on engineering capacity to drive efficiency, quality, and scalability across production operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, set up, and optimize CNC tube-bending processes, including rotary draw, ram forming, and push bending, to meet production and quality requirements.
• Troubleshoot tube-bending defects such as wrinkling, flattening, and spring-back, implementing corrective actions to improve process capability and product consistency.
• Select, configure, and implement appropriate tooling, including mandrels (plug and ball), wiper dies, and multi-stack tooling, to support a wide range of tube geometries and materials.
• Apply specialized techniques such as mandrel bending to prevent deformation in tight-radius applications and wiper dies to eliminate wrinkling in thin-wall tubing.
• Utilize advanced multi-radius bending and multi-stack CNC equipment to produce complex tube parts efficiently and accurately.
• Support CNC machining programming and integration for mills, lathes, and machining centers as the role evolves, ensuring seamless coordination with tube-bending operations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve throughput, and enhance overall process efficiency.
• Optimize equipment layouts, material flow, and workstation ergonomics to improve productivity, safety, and operator comfort on the production floor.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards, including OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, and EPA requirements, and promote a culture of safe work practices.
• Provide shop floor support by mentoring operators, developing clear work instructions, and resolving production issues in real time.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures and process documentation to support repeatable, high-quality manufacturing outcomes.
• Stay current on emerging technologies such as Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, and simulation tools, and evaluate opportunities to apply them to manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, production, and quality to support new product introductions and ongoing process improvements.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, root causes of issues, and opportunities for optimization in tube bending and related manufacturing processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in CNC tube bending, including setup, programming, and troubleshooting of tube-bending operations.
• Strong hands-on experience with CNC tube-bending equipment and processes, including rotary draw, ram forming, and push bending.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor for designing tooling, fixtures, and process layouts.
• Experience with CNC programming using G-code and/or CAM software, or a strong willingness and aptitude to learn CNC programming.
• Practical knowledge of mandrel bending techniques to prevent deformation in tight-radius tube applications.
• Ability to apply wiper dies effectively to eliminate wrinkling in thin-wall tubing.
• Experience working with multi-radius bending and advanced multi-stack CNC equipment for complex tube geometries.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their application to process improvement and waste reduction.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation related to tube forming and machining.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose process issues and implement effective corrective actions on the shop floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Industrial engineering experience in tubing, CNC programs, and manufacturing engineering.
• Familiarity with machine programming and integration across mills, lathes, and machining centers.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts and an interest in applying digital tools and data-driven methods to manufacturing operations.
• Exposure to additive manufacturing and simulation tools and the ability to evaluate their potential use in process development.
• Ability to develop clear work instructions and training materials for operators and production staff.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with engineering, production, and quality teams.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet production and engineering deadlines.

Work Environment

The work environment is split between an office setting and the production floor, offering a balance of engineering design work and hands-on process support. On the production floor, you will be exposed to typical manufacturing conditions, including noise, temperature variations, and contact with oils and coolants. The role requires regular walking throughout the facility and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed to support equipment setup and troubleshooting. You will work closely with operators, technicians, and other engineers in a collaborative environment that emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and the adoption of modern manufacturing technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Sullivan, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62400.00 - $83200.00/yr.

2 weeks paid time off, Child care center onsite, and a comprehensive health benefits package focused on wellness rewards along with 401(k) and company paid life insurance. Other benefits include tuition reimbursement earned wage access, discounts, 10 paid holidays, and more!

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sullivan,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.