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Plant Engineering Manager Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Manager

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

We need an Engineering Manager who owns both the factory floor and the maintenance department. Here ... We invest in people who invest in the plant. We give real authority to the person who takes real ...

We need an Engineering Manager who owns both the factory floor and the maintenance department. Here ... We invest in people who invest in the plant. We give real authority to the person who takes real ...

Scope and execute capital projects, participate in annual plant budgeting, manage department spend ... Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Maintenance, Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with ...

Serve as a key partner in plant business planning and translate business goals into measurable ... Lead talent management for engineering and technical staff to retain key contributors and develop ...

Serve as a key partner in plant business planning and translate business goals into measurable ... Lead talent management for engineering and technical staff to retain key contributors and develop ...

Mining Engineering, Management Required Work Experience: 5-7 years Aggregate Mining and related Raw Materials Plant Production experience. Additional Requirements: * Successful candidates must adhere ...

Mining Engineering, Management Required Work Experience: 5-7 years Aggregate Mining and related Raw Materials Plant Production experience. Additional Requirements: * Successful candidates must adhere ...

Mining Engineering, Management Required Work Experience: 5-7 years Aggregate Mining and related Raw Materials Plant Production experience. Additional Requirements: * Successful candidates must adhere ...

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Plant Engineering Manager information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$68.2K

$125.3K

$163.4K

How much do plant engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant engineering manager in DeKalb, IL is $125,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,900.00 and $139,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant engineering manager?

To thrive as a Plant Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in engineering disciplines (typically mechanical, electrical, or industrial), a bachelor's degree in engineering, and significant experience in plant operations or maintenance management. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, maintenance management systems (CMMS), and relevant industry certifications like PMP or Six Sigma is commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set standout managers apart by enabling effective team management and cross-functional collaboration. These competencies ensure efficient operations, minimize downtime, and drive continuous improvement within the plant environment.

What are some common challenges faced by plant engineering managers, and how are they typically addressed?

Plant Engineering Managers often encounter challenges such as ensuring equipment reliability, managing large-scale projects within tight deadlines, and balancing maintenance needs with production goals. They address these by implementing preventive maintenance programs, fostering strong communication with cross-functional teams, and utilizing project management tools to track progress and resources. Additionally, staying current with industry best practices and continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma, helps them drive operational efficiency while minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Plant Engineering Manager vs Maintenance Supervisor?

AspectPlant Engineering ManagerMaintenance Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like PE or CMMS experienceHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees engineering projects, plant systems, and process improvementsManages daily maintenance activities and team supervision
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, chemical plantsFactories, production facilities, industrial plants

The Plant Engineering Manager focuses on engineering projects, system design, and process optimization, while the Maintenance Supervisor handles daily maintenance tasks and team management. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What degree is needed to be a plant engineering manager?

A plant engineering manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field. Many employers also value relevant work experience and professional certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Advanced degrees like a master's in engineering or business can enhance career prospects but are not always required.

What does a plant engineering manager do?

A plant engineering manager oversees the maintenance, operation, and improvement of manufacturing plant equipment and systems. They coordinate engineering projects, ensure safety and compliance standards are met, and manage teams of engineers and technicians. Strong knowledge of industrial processes, safety regulations, and technical skills are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Plant Engineering Manager jobs in DeKalb, IL?

For Plant Engineering Manager jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Plant Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Plant Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Engineering Manager job openings in DeKalb, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,315 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Materials & Converting

pregis

Aurora, IL • On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Pregis rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Job Description
To support Pregis’ aggressive growth plans, the Engineering Manager – Materials & Converting will lead NPD projects and innovation initiatives across Pregis. Key initiatives include driving sustainable consumable product offering through material development and next generation converting technologies.

Critical is this role is the need to understand the converting technology and fitness-for use of the products in application for our markets. This role will report to the Vice-President, Technology and be based in Aurora, IL.

 

Responsibilities

  • Lead projects from development through to commercialization using the NPC (New Product Commercialization) process
  • Create roadmap to prove out concepts, via recommended modifications to manufacturing or pilot equipment
  • Work strategically with approved external partners to accelerate development and ideation
  • Manage projects while mentoring and support team members on projects, vendor selection and management
  • Execution of multiple project paths to prove out concepts, build and/or modify pilot equipment to create consumable product prototypes
  • Translate pilot/prototype to full-scale machine capability

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Technical skills: A minimum of 12-15 years’ experience in a combination of roles as mechanical/ electrical/ manufacturing/ plant engineer.  Working predominantly in plastic, paper, nonwoven web handling manufacturing environments. 
  • Leadership – Proven experience leading a group or individuals on root cause analysis on manufacturing equipment, in person or remote – Occam’s Razor
  • Controls experience
    • PLC programming; HMI programming
    • Servo and Stepper motor control programming
    • Basic understanding of pneumatic systems and controls
    • Understanding of 3 phase power, line transformers, 3-phase power distribution, switch gear, facility wiring, and machine connection.
  • Capital Project Management
    • Project Planning from start to finish which includes all aspects in scheduling/allocating resources, tracking budget, documentation, reviewing vendor quotes and conducting analysis, providing internal updates to stakeholders, managing work streams, and project installs
    • Knowledge of Safety requirements CE compliance
    • Support new equipment in manufacturing environment and maintenance
    • Coordinate operator and maintenance training
    • NPD Product Development
    • The ability to understand machine capability
    • Able to conceptually design and chose machine build partner, and align resources to projects
    • Retain and build a trusted network of external service providers, including machine shops, electricians, control/system integrators.
  • Strong communication skills and proven ability to effectively deliver critical messaging to cross functional stakeholders, internally and externally
  • Demonstrated and proven ability to pivot, adapt, and flex to changing business priorities
  • Proven experience in managing multiple projects with minimal oversight and ability to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous work-streams
  • Provide leadership on the manufacturing floor during trials while working side-by-side with operations.
  • Physical: Requires standing for long periods of time for varied durations of time; as much as up to 12 hours.

 

Travel

This role will require travel to Pregis facilities, Vendors, and Customers of approximately 30%.

Compensation

 

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of Pregis’ total compensation package. The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $155,000 to $175,000, depending on experience and skills.

Compensation details listed in US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits. Learn more about Benefits at Pregis.

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About Pregis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Deerfield, IL, US

Year founded

2005

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