Process Engineering Manager Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

The Process Engineer analyzes and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve throughput, quality, and on-time delivery. This role focuses on refining production flow, standardizing work practices, and driving continuous improvement across the shop floor. The Process Engineer collaborates closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to identify issues, implement solutions, and ensure new products and processes are ready for efficient, repeatable production.

• Analyze production processes, material flow, work-center layout, product routing, and labor utilization to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead improvement projects that increase throughput, reduce cycle time, improve first-pass yield, reduce rework, and support on-time delivery.
• Develop, refine, and maintain standard work, work instructions, and process documentation to ensure repeatability and consistency in manufacturing operations.
• Work closely with production and quality teams 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 and efficient production processes.
• Apply data analysis, time studies, root cause analysis, Pareto analysis, process mapping, and visual management to drive measurable operational improvements.
• Support new product introduction and product transfers by validating production readiness, assessing risk, and identifying potential issues before release to production.
• Recommend and implement improvements to workstation layout, tooling, fixtures, test setups, material presentation, and production sequencing to enhance efficiency and ergonomics.
• Track and report improvement results, including productivity gains, cost reductions, yield improvements, lead-time reductions, and quality impacts.
• Train and coach production employees on updated processes, standard work, and continuous improvement practices to sustain improvements and build a culture of continuous improvement.
• Spend significant time on the production floor observing operations, supporting teams, and driving improvement initiatives in real time.

• 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.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing process analysis and production flow optimization.
• Proficiency with root cause analysis and corrective action methods.
• Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma and Kaizen.
• Ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and translate findings into practical, actionable improvements.
• Comfort working in electronics manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ERP systems to support production planning, tracking, and reporting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operators, technicians, engineers, and quality staff.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly document processes and explain changes to cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to spend substantial time on the production floor to observe processes and support improvement activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing or improving workstation layouts in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience implementing or supporting visual management systems on the shop floor.
• Background in electronics manufacturing processes and test flows.
• Exposure to structured continuous improvement programs and initiatives.

The role is based in an older manufacturing shop that requires significant updating and process refinement, offering a strong opportunity for the Process Engineer to streamline workflows and modernize operations. Work is highly hands-on, with substantial time spent on the production floor observing processes, collaborating with production teams, and implementing improvements. The environment includes typical shop-floor conditions associated with electronics manufacturing and the use of ERP systems and visual management tools. The organization offers a variety of employee incentives, including recognition programs such as employee of the month, gift cards, and food catering, creating a supportive and engaging workplace culture focused on continuous improvement and employee appreciation.

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

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

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 Aug 21, 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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment 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 the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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