Process Engineer Jobs in Round Lake, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

The Process Engineer analyzes and improves manufacturing processes to increase throughput, reduce cycle time, enhance first-pass yield, and support on-time delivery. This role focuses on optimizing production flow, refining standard work and process documentation, and leading structured continuous improvement initiatives across the shop floor. The Process Engineer collaborates closely with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to drive measurable gains in productivity, cost, lead time, and product quality while supporting new product introductions and product transfers.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production processes, material flow, work-center layout, product routing, and labor utilization to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Lead projects that increase throughput, reduce cycle time, improve first-pass yield, minimize rework, and support reliable on-time delivery.
• Develop, refine, and maintain standard work, work instructions, and process documentation to ensure repeatability, consistency, and clear shop-floor execution.
• Work closely with Production and Quality to investigate defects, process variation, and recurring issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Collaborate with Engineering on manufacturability, test flow, assembly methods, tooling, fixtures, and process capability to ensure robust production processes.
• Apply data analysis, time studies, root cause analysis, Pareto analysis, process mapping, and visual management techniques to drive measurable improvements.
• Support new product introduction and product transfers by validating production readiness, identifying risks, and recommending mitigation actions prior to release.
• Recommend and implement improvements to workstation layout, tooling, fixtures, test setups, material presentation, and production sequencing to streamline workflows.
• Track, quantify, and report improvement results, including productivity gains, cost reductions, yield improvements, lead-time reduction, and quality impact.
• Train and coach production employees on updated processes, standard work, and continuous improvement practices to embed sustainable changes.
• Spend significant time on the production floor observing operations, supporting teams, and driving hands-on improvement activities.

Essential Skills

• Experience in a manufacturing, process engineering, production engineering, or continuous improvement role.
• Strong understanding of production flow, manufacturing methods, process documentation, and shop-floor execution.
• Comfort with analyzing production data, identifying trends, and translating findings into practical actions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action methods.
• Ability to work effectively with operators, technicians, engineers, quality staff, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document processes and explain changes to diverse teams.
• Willingness to spend substantial time on the production floor to observe processes and drive improvements.
• Experience with manufacturing process optimization and production flow analysis.
• Experience in continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with electronics manufacturing processes.
• Experience with process engineering tools and methodologies.
• Ability to work with or within an ERP system to support production and process improvement activities.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma principles and methods.
• Experience with Kaizen or similar continuous improvement approaches.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in production, quality, and engineering.
• Ability to develop and refine standard work and work instructions.
• Skill in applying data analysis, time studies, Pareto analysis, process mapping, and visual management.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and product transfers in a manufacturing environment.
• Interest in helping modernize and streamline workflows in an older manufacturing shop.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Work Environment

The role is based in an older manufacturing shop that is undergoing process updates and workflow streamlining. The Process Engineer plays a key role in modernizing operations, improving layouts, and enhancing production efficiency. Work is primarily on-site and involves frequent presence on the production floor, closely observing processes and partnering with operators, technicians, and engineers. The environment offers various employee incentives such as employee-of-the-month recognition, gift cards, and food catering, reflecting a culture that values employee contributions and engagement.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Burlington, WI.

The pay range for this position is $43.26 - $48.07/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Burlington,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.