Senior Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Springs Window Fashions is hiring for a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer – Waukegan, IL  (This is an onsite role)

Company Overview

Springs Window Fashions is a leader in the custom window treatment industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton WI, we have 7,000 associates with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.  Our custom window treatments are available under the Bali, Graber, SunSetter and Mecho brands in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms, and showcased in large commercial buildings.

Our company has made significant investments to become a leader in product innovation.  As North America’s premier window covering company, we’re committed to creating a “Best Experience” for our consumers, channel partners and associates.  We are bringing new innovations to the market at an accelerated pace and have a variety of offerings to consumers who want to improve their home décor.

Position Summary

The Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, optimization, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing and fabrication processes across the organization. This role requires advanced technical expertise, strategic problem-solving capabilities, and specialized knowledge of manufacturing systems, process engineering methodologies, quality systems, automation technologies, and lean manufacturing principles. The associate serves as a key technical leader supporting operational excellence initiatives, new product introductions, process standardization, cost reduction strategies, and manufacturing performance improvements across multiple departments and facilities. The position collaborates closely with operations leadership, product development, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and global manufacturing teams to ensure manufacturing processes meet customer, regulatory, safety, quality, and productivity requirements. The position requires specialized knowledge of the company’s manufacturing systems, operational standards, continuous improvement methodologies, proprietary processes, and multi-site manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for evaluating and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, leading capital and process improvement projects, developing technical standards, mentoring engineering and production personnel, and driving operational efficiencies through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement methodologies. This is a first shift, full-time exempt position reporting directly to the Director of US Operations and Continuous Improvement. The role works closely with plant leadership, operations management, engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders across multiple manufacturing facilities to support operational strategy, manufacturing standardization, continuous improvement initiatives, and business performance objectives.

Advanced Manufacturing Methods & Process Engineering – 35%

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing and fabrication processes for new and existing products
• Utilize advanced Industrial Engineering and Lean Manufacturing methodologies to improve operational performance, reduce waste, and increase manufacturing efficiency
• Conduct detailed work measurement and labor utilization studies utilizing techniques including time studies, work sampling, predetermined motion time systems, ratio-delay studies, video analysis, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) evaluations
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and determine optimal process methods to improve safety, quality, throughput, ergonomics, and cost performance
• Design, develop, validate, and implement manufacturing fixtures, tooling, equipment modifications, and process controls to support operational improvements
• Lead cross-functional manufacturing improvement initiatives involving engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams
• Support automation initiatives and integration of advanced manufacturing technologies to improve productivity and process stability
• Manage multiple capital equipment and process improvement projects from concept through implementation, validation, and operational launch
• Support global manufacturing standardization efforts and replication of best practices across facilities

Technical Problem Solving & Quality Improvement – 25%

• Lead root cause analysis investigations and corrective action activities related to manufacturing, process, and quality issues
• Utilize quality and process improvement methodologies including PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, DOE, 8D, Six Sigma, Fishbone Analysis, and Lean tools
• Monitor process capability, process variation, and manufacturing performance metrics to ensure process stability and compliance
• Develop and implement process controls and quality assurance systems to minimize defects, scrap, rework, and customer quality concerns
• Provide advanced technical support to manufacturing, production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to resolve complex operational challenges
• Train and mentor engineering, supervisory, and production personnel on manufacturing processes, quality systems, lean principles, and process improvement methodologies

Product & Process Specifications / Manufacturing Standards – 10%

• Develop and maintain manufacturing process specifications, process routings, engineering standards, and technical documentation
• Establish standardized manufacturing practices to ensure product consistency, repeatability, quality, and compliance
• Determine optimal process flow and manufacturing routing to maximize operational efficiency while minimizing manufacturing cost and waste
• Create and maintain Standard Practice Instructions (SPIs), work instructions, process validation documents, and operational standards

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Process Validation – 10%

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new product launches and engineering changes
• Collaborate with product development teams to determine optimal manufacturing processes, tooling requirements, process flow, and validation strategies
• Support process validation, pilot builds, trial runs, and launch activities to ensure manufacturability and operational readiness
• Coordinate equipment evaluations, production trials, and capability studies for new manufacturing technologies and processes

Manufacturing Layout & Lean Operations – 10%

• Develop and optimize manufacturing layouts utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles including one-piece flow, cellular manufacturing, value stream mapping, Kanban systems, setup reduction, and waste elimination
• Lead manufacturing layout improvement projects to improve productivity, material flow, safety, and space utilization
• Support plant operational excellence and Factory of the Future initiatives through process innovation and advanced manufacturing concepts

Leadership, Administration & Technical Development – 10%

• Lead strategic continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations to improve productivity, quality, labor efficiency, and operational performance
• Support operational alignment and standardization initiatives across multiple U.S. manufacturing facilities
• Serve as a key technical resource for manufacturing strategy, process optimization, and operational excellence initiatives
• Collaborate with senior leadership on manufacturing performance reviews, capacity planning, cost reduction strategies, and continuous improvement roadmaps
• Drive implementation of lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives aligned with corporate objectives
• Mentor junior engineers, technicians, and production personnel in manufacturing engineering principles and best practices
• Analyze production, labor, efficiency, and quality data to identify improvement opportunities and support business objectives

Quality & Continuous Improvement Responsibilities – 100%

• Integrates quality-at-the-source principles into all manufacturing and engineering activities
• Applies structured problem-solving methodologies and continuous improvement tools in daily operations
• Develops, documents, standardizes, and improves manufacturing processes within assigned areas of responsibility
• Identifies operational waste, inefficiencies, and process variation and implements sustainable corrective actions
• Supports a culture of operational excellence, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement

The annual base wage for this position is reasonably expected to be $90,000-$135,000 plus bonus. Factors which may affect starting pay may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance,  vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% company match of eligible contributions, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid sick time at an amount that meets or exceeds all local requirements, paid vacation time (pro-rated for current year based on start date), paid holidays per year, and one paid volunteer day off per year.  

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering with strong industrial experience as a Process Engineer;
• 5+ years of practical manufacturing and engineering experience in designing and improving manufacturing processes. 
• Capital project management experience required 
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma certifications are a plus.
• Bilingual English - Spanish preferred

How We Work to Deliver a Best Experience: Our Culture

Our Core Value: We do the right thing, always

Our Seven Cultural Behaviors

Empowerment - We trust our people.

Ownership - We take 100% responsibility for our roles actions, and results.

Leadership - We all lead by example and talk direct with respect (DWR).

One Team - We are One Springs Team.

Customer First - We consider our customers' needs before every decision.

Continuous Innovation - We are constantly learning, innovating, and improving.

Speed - We define priorities and operate with a sense of urgency and agility.