Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Title:  

Manufacturing Engineer

Grade Level:

Mid-Level

Location(s): 

               Hazel Crest, IL

               Monee, IL

               Union City, TN

Company:

Lanco IEM: MJP, BMC, GPI, LMC

https://www.thelancogroup.com/manufacturing-capabilities/

https://www.thelancogroup.com/history/

Reports to:

Director of Quality

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes across assembly and fabrication operations. This role is responsible for translating product designs into safe, efficient, high-quality production systems, supporting new product introductions, facility and process upgrades, and ongoing operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Process Design & Optimization

• Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical assemblies and fabrications.
• Develop efficient plant layouts, workstations, and material flows that improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Lead time studies, capacity analysis, line balancing, and workflow optimization for both line-based and cell-based production.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Industrialization

• Serve as the site manufacturing engineering lead for new product introductions and major product changes.
• Partner with Product Engineering to drive design for manufacturing and assembly as well as manufacturing readiness.
• Support launch activities including pilot builds, process validation, and transition to full-rate production.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping).
• Apply structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to address safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory challenges.
• Drive measurable improvements in key performance metrics.

Tooling, Equipment & Capital Projects

• Own the specification, justification, and implementation of manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and material handling solutions.
• Support the installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and processes.
• Collaborate with maintenance, safety, and operations teams to ensure long-term solution sustainability

Documentation, Quality & Compliance

• Develop and maintain standard work, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Own creation and update of process failure mode effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and manufacturing-related quality controls.
• Ensure processes meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Cross-Site & Technical Collaboration

• Share best practices and provide technical support across multiple manufacturing sites as needed.
• Contribute as a hands-on technical and operational resource.

Experience:

• Approximately 5+ years of direct manufacturing engineering experience in heavy equipment, automotive, industrial machinery, or similarly complex manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Assembly process or line design
  • Fabrication and welding environments
  • Manufacturing process industrialization or facility upgrades
  • Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical), Engineering Technology, or a related field

Technical Skills:

• Lean manufacturing tools and structured problem solving
• Manufacturing documentation (SOPs, routings, BOMs)
• ERP/MRP systems
• Data analysis using Excel and similar tools (Power BI a plus)
• 2D plant layout and 3D CAD proficiency

Soft Skills:

• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Comfortable working on the shop floor in a hands-on engineering role
• Ability to balance near-term production support with longer-term process improvement

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and support shop-floor activities
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required

Travel:

• Up to 20%

Preferred Background: Industry leading companies such as Caterpillar, John Deere, CNH, Honda,  Toyota, Ford, GM, etc.

Compensation/Benefits:

We foster a collaborative team environment that values innovation and encourages creative solutions to drive positive organizational impact. Our employees are the key to our success and help us stand out from our competitors. The base pay range for this role is $80,000 to $120,000. The final compensation offer may vary based on factors such as experience, education, skills, and location. We offer competitive pay, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Lanco is an equal opportunity employer.  All employment-related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline (including termination), evaluation, training and development opportunities, etc., are made without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, military status, protected disability, citizenship, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable law.