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Production Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Manager, Production Engineering for Leica Biosystems is responsible for leading the Production Engineering team to ensure reliable operation of production lines and deliver measurable ...

The Manager, Production Engineering for Leica Biosystems is responsible for leading the Production Engineering team to ensure reliable operation of production lines and deliver measurable ...

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The Engineering Manager - Production Engineering will be responsible for leading and coordinating the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering teams to ensure the successful execution of customer ...

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Production Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$48.9K

$127.6K

$139.5K

How much do production engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for production engineering in Illinois is $127,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,600.00 and $138,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the work of a production engineer?

A production engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production. They analyze workflows, troubleshoot equipment issues, and collaborate with teams to improve quality and reduce costs, often using tools like CAD software and process control systems.

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

To thrive as a Production Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, process optimization, and manufacturing systems, often supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or production engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, lean manufacturing methodologies, and certifications like Six Sigma are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and drive continuous improvement. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient production processes, minimizing costs, and maintaining product quality in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Production Engineering vs Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectProduction EngineeringManufacturing Engineering
FocusDesigning and optimizing production processes to improve efficiency and qualityDeveloping and implementing manufacturing methods and systems
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, engineering officesFactories, manufacturing plants, R&D labs
CredentialsBachelor's in Production, Industrial, or Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
Industry UsageManufacturing companies, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing sectors, machinery, electronics, automotive

Production Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering share overlapping skills and work environments, focusing on improving production processes. However, Production Engineering emphasizes process design and optimization, while Manufacturing Engineering concentrates on developing manufacturing methods. Both roles are vital in manufacturing industries and often collaborate to enhance efficiency and product quality.

Is production engineering a good career?

Production engineering is a viable career that involves designing and optimizing manufacturing processes, often requiring skills in process analysis, automation, and quality control. It offers opportunities in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods, with a focus on efficiency and cost reduction. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual skills, with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing enhancing employability.

What are some common challenges faced by production engineers in coordinating with cross-functional teams?

Production engineers often work closely with teams from design, quality assurance, and maintenance, which can present challenges in communication and alignment of priorities. Balancing the need for efficient production with strict quality standards or last-minute design changes requires strong collaboration and problem-solving skills. Successful production engineers proactively share updates, seek input from all stakeholders, and adapt quickly to evolving project requirements, ensuring smooth operations and minimal disruptions.

What is production engineering?

Production engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on designing, operating, and optimizing manufacturing processes and systems. Production engineers work to improve the efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of production in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. Their responsibilities often include process planning, equipment selection, workflow optimization, and quality control to ensure products are made efficiently and meet required standards.
What are popular job titles related to Production Engineering jobs in Illinois? For Production Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Production Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Production Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Production Engineering 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, with an average salary of $127,589 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

Manager, Production Engineering

Danaher

Richmond, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago


Danaher rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Bring more to life.
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Leica Biosystems, one of Danaher's 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives-and we're all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You'll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher's system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact - innovating at the speed of life.
At Leica Biosystems, we're not just shaping the future of cancer diagnostics - we're transforming lives. Our mission of "Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives" is the driving force behind everything we do. As a global leader with the most comprehensive portfolio spanning from biopsy to diagnosis, we empower clinicians with innovative, reliable solutions so they can give patients timely, accurate answers when they need them most. When you join Leica Biosystems, you're not just taking a job; you're becoming part of a passionate team that knows every moment matters when it comes to cancer. You'll help develop diagnostic solutions that turn anxiety into answers, and aid the acceleration of next-generation, life-changing therapies. Surrounded by a diverse and collaborative global community, you'll be inspired each day to stretch, grow, and make an impact.
Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.
Position Summary:
The Manager, Production Engineering for Leica Biosystems is responsible for leading the Production Engineering team to ensure reliable operation of production lines and deliver measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, productivity, cost, and compliance. This role serves as a technical leader for production engineering team to drive continuous improvement initiatives while strengthening operational discipline, and accountability for project execution across the factory.
This position is part of the Manufacturing Operations team located in Richmond, IL and will be on-site. At Leica Biosystems, our vision is to advance cancer diagnostics and improve lives.
You will be part of the Operations Leadership Team and report to the Plant Manager responsible for leading Richmond manufacturing operations. If you thrive in a complex, high-impact manufacturing environment and want to help build a world-class manufacturing organization, read on.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Lead the Richmond Production Engineering team by setting priorities, clarifying ownership, and strengthening quality and productivity across the site.
  • Personally lead high-impact production engineering projects from scoping through execution, using clear project plans, milestones, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and measurable outcomes.
  • Manage the production engineering project portfolio to improve key operational KPIs, including productivity, cost of quality, capacity, scrap, yield, and equipment reliability.
  • Partner with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D at the site to drive meaningful improvements across all value streams within the factory.
  • Use DBS tools, disciplined project management practices, and problem-solving process to identify root causes, remove execution barriers, and sustain improvements in quality, efficiency, productivity, cost, and compliance.

The essential requirements of the job include:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Progressive experience in production engineering, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or operations leadership within a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional manufacturing projects with strong project plans, milestones, stakeholder alignment, and measurable business outcomes.
  • Experience managing, coaching, or developing engineers or technical associates while maintaining personal ownership for direct project execution.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and continuous improvement capability; experience with DBS, Lean, Six Sigma, quality systems, or change control preferred.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
  • Medical device manufacturing in an FDA-regulated environment, including familiarity with Quality Management System Regulation, ISO 13485, production controls, documentation, and audit readiness.
  • Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, test method validation, change control, CAPA, nonconformance management, or other quality system processes tied to manufacturing improvements.
  • Experience managing project portfolios with defined KPIs, governance routines, and benefits tracking across productivity, cost of quality, yield, scrap, capacity, equipment reliability, delivery performance, automation, and line capacity modeling.

Leica Biosystems, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it's a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.
The annual salary range for this role is $140,000-$155,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.
This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k), to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or other form of compensation and benefits allocated to a particular employee remain in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.
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Join our winning team today. Together, we'll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow's science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
For more information, visit www.danaher.com.
Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.
The U.S. EEO posters are available here.
For candidates who are based outside of New York City or who are applying for roles outside of New York City, for more information about conditions of any job offer please click here.
We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1-202-419-7762 or applyassistance@danaher.com.

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About Danaher

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a science and technology innovator committed to helping our customers solve complex challenges, and improving quality of life around the world. A global family of more than 20 operating companies, we drive meaningful innovation in some of today's most dynamic, growing industries.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1984