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Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a growing manufacturing company to hire a Process Engineer. This hands-on engineering role is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, optimizing ...

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$90K - $123K/yr

Position Summary Seeking a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer with deep expertise in ... This role is responsible for optimizing machining processes, improving throughput and quality, and ...

Job Summary The Process Engineer Intern will support the manufacturing engineering team in ... of senior engineers. Assist in tracking quality issues and maintaining documentation to help ...

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design ... The Process Engineer will be based in Buffalo Grove, IL reporting to the Process Engineering ...

Process Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design ... The Process Engineer will be based in Buffalo Grove, IL reporting to the Process Engineering ...

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer Our client is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to drive process improvements, increase productivity, and reduce operational costs across multiple manufacturing ...

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer Our client is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to drive process improvements, increase productivity, and reduce operational costs across multiple manufacturing ...

Process Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Collaborate with clients to understand manufacturing objectives, capacity requirements, product mix, and operational constraints. * Work closely with process architects and project teams to translate ...

Collaborate with clients to understand manufacturing objectives, capacity requirements, product mix, and operational constraints. * Work closely with process architects and project teams to translate ...

Collaborate with clients to understand manufacturing objectives, capacity requirements, product mix, and operational constraints. * Work closely with process architects and project teams to translate ...

Collaborate with clients to understand manufacturing objectives, capacity requirements, product mix, and operational constraints. * Work closely with process architects and project teams to translate ...

Working under the guidance of senior process engineers, this role assists with production ramp-up, documentation, data analysis, and on-site problem-solving in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Collaborate with clients to understand manufacturing objectives, capacity requirements, product mix, and operational constraints. * Work closely with process architects and project teams to translate ...

Collaborate with clients to understand manufacturing objectives, capacity requirements, product mix, and operational constraints. * Work closely with process architects and project teams to translate ...

... experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to drive operational excellence across multiple ... Preferred Skills: · Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, manufacturing methods, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$77.3K

$124.8K

$175.6K

How much do senior manufacturing process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior manufacturing process engineer in Chicago, IL is $124,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,100.00 and $138,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a senior manufacturing process engineer faces when implementing process improvements?

One of the primary challenges Senior Manufacturing Process Engineers encounter is balancing the need for process innovation with maintaining production efficiency and product quality. Implementing new technologies or methodologies often requires extensive cross-functional collaboration, training, and sometimes overcoming resistance to change from team members. Additionally, ensuring that process improvements comply with industry regulations and safety standards can add complexity. However, these challenges provide valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills and drive significant impact within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior manufacturing process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, process optimization, and manufacturing systems, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control tools is highly valued, along with certifications such as Six Sigma Green or Black Belt. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, leadership, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for driving process improvements and collaborating across teams. These skills ensure efficient production, high product quality, and continuous operational enhancements in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What does a senior manufacturing process engineer do?

A Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, quality, and safety in production environments. They lead projects to implement new technologies, troubleshoot process issues, and optimize workflows. They also work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers and support continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.

What is the difference between Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectSenior Manufacturing Process EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 5+ years experience, possibly certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentOversees process improvements, leads projects, collaborates with cross-functional teamsSupports manufacturing operations, implements process changes, troubleshoots production issues
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing plants, automotive, aerospace, electronics industriesCommon in similar industries, entry to mid-level roles in manufacturing

The main difference is that a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer typically has more experience, takes on leadership roles, and oversees complex process improvements, while a Manufacturing Engineer focuses on supporting and implementing manufacturing processes at a more operational level.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,767 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Illinois Tool Works Inc

Richton Park, IL • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Illinois Tool Works rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 75 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

174th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a Fortune 200 global industrial company centered in a differentiated business model. The company's seven business segments leverage the 80/20 business model to generate solid growth, best-in-class margins and favorable returns in markets where innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. ITW delivers specialized expertise, innovative thinking and value-added products to meet critical customer needs in a variety of industries targeting sustainable and profitable organic growth.
DIVISION DESCRIPTION
ITW's Automotive segment designs and manufactures innovative fasteners, interior and exterior components, and powertrain and braking systems for OEMs and their top-tier suppliers. ITW's automotive businesses have a high level of customer intimacy, enabling customer-back innovation to address complex needs such as vehicle efficiency, safety, and quality. Deep market knowledge and strong manufacturing process capabilities allow ITW's automotive businesses to be nimble, niche problem solvers for their sophisticated customers.
The Smart Components Division drives profitability by leveraging its innovative solutions and application engineering. In addition to ITW's industry-leading research and development capabilities, ITW Smart Components enhances our customers' competitive advantage. Smart Components is a business group within ITW's Automotive segment with manufacturing locations in North America. Our products are made up of housings and doors, innovative Capless solutions and charge ports for major OEMs around the world.
SUMMARY
Serves as the senior manufacturing engineering technical leader for plastic injection molding and light assembly operations. Leads whole plant layout strategy, capacity planning, customer capacity portals, launch packaging strategy, expendable and returnable packaging design, production readiness, PFMEA systems, safety-alert response, 6S cell layouts, manufacturability input, and complex continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead complex manufacturing engineering projects related to injection molding, light assembly, automation, tooling, fixtures, packaging, material flow, plant layout, capacity, safety, quality, and productivity.
  • Serve as first-in-charge technical owner for whole plant layout and capacity planning, including production machines, injection molding presses, assembly cells, labor assumptions, floor space, WIP, material flow, packaging flow, storage, and future growth needs.
  • Lead production machine, press, and assembly capacity analysis; define and implement adjustments to meet customer demand, improve utilization, reduce bottlenecks, and support launch and production requirements.
  • Lead concept design for manufacturing processes, automation, fixtures, workstations, cell layouts, packaging systems, safe work areas, and material flow using layout software and 3D CAD tools.
  • Lead new product design manufacturability reviews to ensure ease of manufacturability, assembly feasibility, packaging feasibility, process capability, safety, serviceability, and efficient production flow.
  • Lead manufacturing and automation projects, including creation, review, and updates to PFMEA documents, process flows, control plans, setup sheets, standard work, troubleshooting guides, and launch documentation.
  • Own launch packaging strategy for assigned programs, including expendable and returnable packaging design, customer requirement compliance, packaging validation/testing, supplier coordination, documentation, and production readiness.
  • Maintain and govern customer packaging requirements, ensuring plant packaging standards, customer specifications, quality expectations, shipping requirements, ergonomics, and operational needs are met.
  • Support operations and supply chain in determining packaging fleet size and ordering requirements for production needs, including returnable loop calculations, expendable consumption, ramp-up plans, and contingency planning.
  • Maintain and validate customer capacity portals and customer-facing capacity documentation, ensuring alignment between customer demand, quoted capacity, equipment capability, plant layout, and actual production performance.
  • Define WIP strategy and requirements across the plant by evaluating customer demand, cycle times, changeovers, packaging quantities, kanban or supermarket needs, storage constraints, and production stability.
  • Lead adjustments in response to safety alerts, customer alerts, internal quality issues, ergonomic concerns, equipment changes, capacity constraints, and manufacturing risk assessments.
  • Drive 6S cell layout improvements and safe work area standards across the plant, including material presentation, traffic flow, ergonomic design, visual controls, and workstation organization.
  • Lead cross-functional root cause analysis and systemic corrective action for major safety, quality, downtime, scrap, packaging, capacity, launch, and process stability issues.
  • Develop capital requirements and justifications for equipment, tooling, packaging, layout, automation, safety, capacity, and productivity projects; coordinate implementation and post-launch validation.
  • Mentor Manufacturing Engineer I and II team members, technicians, and production support personnel; provide technical guidance, training recommendations, and project prioritization support.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or equivalent experience required.
  • 6+ years related manufacturing engineering experience required.
  • Strong experience in plastic injection molding required; automotive Tier 1 manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience leading plant layout, capacity planning, WIP strategy, production flow, launch readiness, and capital projects required.
  • Experience designing and launching expendable and returnable packaging, maintaining customer packaging requirements, and supporting packaging fleet size calculations preferred.
  • Experience maintaining customer capacity portals and customer-facing manufacturing readiness documentation preferred.
  • Advanced experience using layout software and 3D CAD systems required; SolidWorks preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 6S, Six Sigma, PFMEA, process flow, control plans, root cause corrective action, mistake-proofing, and continuous improvement methods.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams, mentor others, influence decisions, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to work overtime and weekends as required.

COMPETENCIES
  • Advanced technical and analytical skills
  • Plant layout and capacity planning leadership
  • Injection molding, assembly, packaging, and automation expertise
  • Complex problem solving and root cause leadership
  • Capital project development and justification
  • Cross-functional leadership and influence
  • Mentoring and technical coaching
  • Strategic prioritization and resource management
  • Continuous improvement leadership
  • Accountability, initiative, and results orientation

Compensation Information:
100,000 - 120,000

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About Illinois Tool Works

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ITW is a global industrial company built around a differentiated and proprietary business model. The company’s seven industry-leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive solid growth with best-in-class margins and returns in markets where highly innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. From state-of-the-art dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators in restaurants and hotels, to automobile components inside vehicles all over the world ... the products we manufacture and the solutions we design are all around us. The buildings where we live and work are built with ITW construction and welding products, and our ITW test & measurement solutions help to ensure the quality and safety of millions of products. ITW’s dedicated colleagues around the world thrive in the company’s decentralized and entrepreneurial culture. Our leaders have deep expertise in the ITW Business Model and leverage it to deliver superior performance and value to our customers.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glenview, IL, US

Year founded

1912