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Pre Production Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Pre Sales Engineer

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$84K - $124K/yr

This role will partner Application Engineers for product-specific technical escalations, and Regional Pre-Sales Engineers for region-specific projects where the end user is located in territory. In ...

Launch Engineer - II

Salem, IL · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Works with Launch Team to provide production level parts for each Customer Pre Production build ... Requirements Your Background Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related discipline, plus 2 to 4 ...

... pre-sales assessments for configuration-heavy opportunities. * Provide production floor support for ... Expertise in engineering disciplines and revision control, including engineering change management ...

Product Engineer II

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

... pre-sales assessments for configuration-heavy opportunities. * Provide production floor support for ... Expertise in engineering disciplines and revision control, including engineering change management ...

Product Engineer II

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

... pre-sales assessments for configuration-heavy opportunities. * Provide production floor support for ... Expertise in engineering disciplines and revision control, including engineering change management ...

Pre Sales Engineer

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

This role will partner Application Engineers for product-specific technical escalations, and Regional Pre-Sales Engineers for region-specific projects where the end user is located in territory.In ...

... pre-bid support, and O&M development. * Additional assignments include Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Installation Operations technical support. * Support all escalator design issues ...

Sr. Product Engineer

Shelbyville, IL · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

... early pre-development activities through design release, tooling kick-off, and production support. This role owns all technical aspects of assigned products, serves as the primary engineering ...

DevOps Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$53.25 - $72.75/hr

... pre-production, and production environments. Other L2 science service teams are deploying services ... Engineer. * US citizenship: To perform the essential functions of this position successful ...

Showing results 21-40

Pre Production Engineer information

What is a pre production engineer?

Pre Production Engineers are professionals who plan, coordinate, and oversee the processes and activities that occur before full-scale manufacturing begins. Their responsibilities often include designing prototypes, testing materials, validating processes, and collaborating with design and production teams to ensure smooth transition from development to manufacturing. They play a critical role in identifying potential issues early, optimizing production workflows, and ensuring that products meet quality and cost standards before mass production starts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pre production engineer?

To excel as a Pre Production Engineer, you need a solid background in manufacturing processes, quality control, and product design, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, ERP systems, and industry standards like ISO 9001 is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and ensuring production readiness. These competencies are crucial for minimizing errors, optimizing workflows, and delivering high-quality products efficiently.

What are some typical challenges a pre production engineer faces during the transition from design to manufacturing?

Pre Production Engineers often encounter challenges such as resolving discrepancies between design intent and manufacturability, ensuring that prototypes meet both quality standards and production deadlines, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to implement design changes efficiently. They must balance tight timelines with the need for thorough testing and validation, all while addressing unforeseen technical issues that arise before mass production. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial as they work closely with design, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams to ensure a smooth product launch.

What is the difference between Pre Production Engineer vs Production Engineer?

AspectPre Production EngineerProduction Engineer
Primary FocusPlanning, design, and preparation before manufacturing beginsOverseeing and managing the manufacturing process
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project planning sitesFactory floors, manufacturing plants
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, CAD skills, project management knowledgeEngineering degree, process optimization skills, technical expertise

Pre Production Engineers focus on planning and designing products before production starts, ensuring readiness and efficiency. Production Engineers manage the manufacturing process, optimizing operations and resolving issues during production. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

Are pre production engineers in demand?

Pre production engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, film, and media, where planning and coordination are essential before production begins. They often require skills in project management, technical knowledge, and familiarity with industry-specific tools. The demand for these engineers depends on industry growth and project complexity.

What are popular job titles related to Pre Production Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Pre Production Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pre Production Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Pre Production Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Pre Production Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Pre Production Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Pre Production Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Manufacturing Engineer - II

North American Lighting

Salem, IL • On-site

$75K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provides day-to-day technical support and training for the assembly processes in the plant.

  • Analyzes assembly line layouts, workflow, assembly methods, change-over-fixturing, gauges, work-in-process (WIP) storage, and tool storage to maximize efficiency.

  • Develops and supports manufacturing processes, including building prototype and pre-production samples, and ensuring project milestones are tracked and completed on time.


North American Lighting rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary

Who We Are 

North American Lighting Inc., member of the Koito Group of Companies, is the largest tier one automotive exterior lighting manufacturer in North America. As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting technology, engineering design expertise, and state-of-the-art production capabilities to auto makers based in North America and around the world.  

Our Opportunity 

North American Lighting (NAL) is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer - II to join our team. The ideal candidate will plan, design, and implement manufacturing processes, ensure new product designs can be manufactured, and maintain the assembly processes in production. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Your Priorities 

  • Provides day-to-day technical support and training for the assembly processes in the plant. 
  • Maximizes efficiency by analyzing assembly line layouts, workflow, assembly methods, change-over-fixturing, gauges, work-in-process (WIP) storage, and tool storage. 
  • Develops Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) requirements, including Process Failure Mode & Effect Analysis (PFMEA), Process Flow Charts, and Process Design Sheets. 
  • Leads and participates in activities to build prototype and pre-production sample part, and distributes internal NAL Initial Sample Inspection Report (ISIR). 
  • Supports Program Management generated project macro-schedules with detailed engineering micro-schedules to ensure that all project milestones are tracked and completed on time. 
  • Identifies process equipment load requirements, tooling and equipment requirements, and the need to implement new processes, and communicates to all appropriate internal team members. 

The salary range for this position is $75,100 - $99,100 per year. Final compensation will be determined by location, skills, experience, qualifications, and the career level at which the position is filled.

Requirements

Your Background 

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline, plus 2 to 4 years of related manufacturing experience. 

Experience in a Just In Time (JIT) automotive manufacturing environment is preferred. 

At North American Lighting

Team Member Benefits 

World class health insurance plans 

Award winning 401k plan 

Relocation assistance 

Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc) 

Supplier discounts (wireless, computer, vehicle, etc.) 

Company sponsored wellness program including gym reimbursement 
 

Diversity at NAL: 

The mission of NAL's Diversity Committee is to facilitate NAL's ongoing and continuing efforts to foster a culture and atmosphere of mutual respect, for the benefit of all Team Members from different backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities that represent our communities. 

You can learn more about NAL and our opportunities at jobs.nal.com. 

#IND1

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, genetic information, and veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Requisition ID: 22168

Location: Salem Plant 


What North American Lighting employees say

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