Polymer Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entegris is =seeking aLead Engineer, Manufacturingto join ourCMP Polishing Pads Manufacturing Engineeringteam. This position will be based in ourAurora, ILfacility.

As a new hire in this role, you will be responsiblefor the back-end manufacturing processes within the CMP Polishing Pads Business Unit at our Aurora 500C facility, with primary ownership of the grooving process (eCAM4-axis CNC andMulticam4-axis CNC groovers) and the Multicam milling operations. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will drive safety, quality, and productivity improvements, support New Product Introductions (NPIs) and Product Change Notifications (PCNs), and lead continuous improvement, cost-saving, and equipment-qualification initiatives across grooving, milling, and cleaning-room operations.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Manufacturing Process Support (45%)

• Provide dedicated engineering leadership for the grooving process, including eCAM concentric and XY grooving, Multicam plunge grooving, and Multicam milling operations.

• Serve as the site technical expert for eCAM 5-axis and Multicam 4-axis machines; develop and deliver training and certification for Operation Associates and Engineering Technicians.

• Drive safety, quality, and productivity improvements across back-end manufacturing (grooving, milling, and cleaning-room operations).

• Lead root-cause investigations of out-of-control conditions; troubleshoot equipment and processes and implement permanent corrective actions.

• Develop, optimize, and maintain CNC programs (G-code / M-code), CAM post-processors, and recipe libraries for grooving and milling operations.

• Provide hands-on technical support during machine breakdowns; coordinate external repair resources as needed.

• Improve the preventative and predictive maintenance program for grooving and milling equipment to maximize uptime and OEE.

• Own the Management of Change (MOC/EtQ) process for grooving and milling process changes.

NPI / PCN Engineering Support (25%)

• Ensure new product process flows are Designed for Manufacturing (DFM); review all NPI/PCN activities requiring grooving and milling operations.

• Manage product scale-ups from Low Volume Manufacturing (LVM) to High Volume Manufacturing (HVM); coordinate process transfers with Product Development.

• Partner with Product Development for surfacing (HAAS) and grooving (eCAM) programs - from process development through production readiness.

• Design and execute DOE trials to validate new grooving and milling configurations, blade and tooling sets.

• Lead MOC documentation and qualification plans for new product introductions and process changes.

Productivity, Continuous Improvement & Cost-Saving Projects (20%)

• Identify and implement safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements across grooving and milling operations.

• Act as the dedicated engineering resource to unblock stalled CI and cost-saving initiatives.

• Apply statistical tools (SPC/SQC, DOE, Six Sigma) to reduce process variation and improve yield.

• Monitor equipment OEE and utilization; drive data-driven improvements using tools such as Amper and thermal imaging.

EHS Support (5%)

• Champion environmental, health, and safety compliance across manufacturing areas, with emphasis on grooving dust collection, blade handling, and machine guarding.

• Participate in risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective-action plans.

• Model and enforce Entegris' health, safety, and environmental policies; drive a zero-incident safety culture.

Equipment Design, Installation & Qualification (5%)

• Support design, installation, and qualification of customized production equipment, including new eCAM machines and tooling upgrades.

• Contribute to the introduction of D4M (Digital for Manufacturing) and automation equipment at the Aurora site.

• Support integration of groove measurement systems (e.g., scanning laser, SigPod) and other in-process quality tools.

WHAT WE SEEK

• Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes - specifically grooving and milling on multi-axis machines (eCAM 5-axis, Multicam 4-axis).

• Proficiency in CNC programming (G-code / M-code), CAM software, and post-processor development.

• Hands-on engineering experience with CMP polishing-pad manufacturing processes (polymer processing, lamination, buffing, and surface finishing).

• Strong statistical background in Six Sigma, SPC/SQC, DOE, and Lean Manufacturing.

• Experience with FMEA, Control Plans, 8D methodology, and structured root-cause analysis.

• Effective oral and written communication, including technical presentations to management and cross-functional teams.

• Strong knowledge of MS Office; competency with statistical analysis software (JMP, Minitab ) preferred

• A strong, professional presence and the flexibility to work confidently in a dynamic environment, under deadline pressure, and in ambiguous situations.

• Comfort engaging and building relationships with personnel at all levels of the organization, both internal and external.

OUTSTANDING CANDIDATES WILL HAVE

• Direct experience withCNC 4-axismachinesin a high-volume environment.

• Demonstrated ability to lead & manage multi-phase capital and CI projects from scope through qualification.

• Experience leading NPI/PCN engineering activities and coordinating cross-functional teams.

• Working knowledge of Management of Change (MOC/EtQ) processes in a regulated manufacturing environment.

• Experience introducing Digital for Manufacturing (D4M) tools, automation, or COBOTS into an established production line.

• Working knowledge of SAP, LIMS, and MES systems

• Experience with CAD/CAM software (Onshape, AutoCAD)

• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt

• Working knowledge of PLC/HMI control systems and recipe management

• Familiarity with groove measurement systems (scanning laser, SigPod) and thermal-management tools

• Experience mentoring engineers and technicians, building technical depth and ownership across a manufacturing team.

Why Work at Entegris?

Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future.

Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background,experiences and perspectives. We leverage the differences of our employees tobring new ideas to the table. Every employee throughout the company is

encouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision-makingprocess is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at everylevel of the organization. We put our values at the core of how we operate as anorganization - not just when it's convenient, but in a lasting and meaningfulway. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact onyour life inside and outside of the office.

WhatWeOffer

Ourtotalrewardspackagegoesaboveandbeyondjustapaycheck.Whetheryou're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.

• Compensation: $110,000 - $125,000 year range with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role

• Generous401(K)planwithanimpressiveemployermatch

• Excellenthealth,dentalandvisioninsurancepackagestofityourneeds

• Flexibleworkscheduleand11paidholidaysayear

• Paidtimeoff(PTO)policythatempowersyoutotakethetimeyouneedtorecharge

• Educationassistancetosupportyourlearningjourney

• Values-drivenculturewithcolleaguesthatrallyaroundPeople,Accountability,CreativityandExcellence

Entegris does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g., H1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) now or in the future.

At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

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