Tire Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of 19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 76,000 people in 54 countries and markets. 

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division currently employs around 53,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites. 

The PCT Area Engineer will:

Is responsible for leading all engineering, maintenance, and reliability activities within the Pre-Cured Tread (PCT) Department to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of production equipment. Develop, implement, manage, and continuously improve Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Predictive Maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and availability. Establish, maintain, and optimize spare parts inventories, ensuring critical spare parts are identified, available, and properly managed to support operational reliability. Supervise and coordinate maintenance technician activities within the assigned area, including scheduling work and workforce development. Lead routine reliability team meetings and drive reliability improvement initiatives throughout the department. Monitor, analyze, and report maintenance performance (MTTR, MTBF, R&M Downtime, Spare Parts Cost and Outside Service Cost. Identify and execute opportunities for continuous improvement in equipment performance, maintenance efficiency, and overall operational reliability.

The PCT Area Engineer works closely with production, quality and other supporting plant teams to minimize downtime, optimize equipment performance, improve maintenance effectiveness, and ensure compliance with Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) requirements. This role requires strong analytical and organizational skills, a hands-on approach to problem solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

1. 1. Lead and continuously improve preventive, predictive, and reliability maintenance programs to maximize equipment availability and performance.
2. Plan, schedule, and coordinate maintenance activities and resources to minimize downtime and support production objectives (PMs)
3. Supervise and support maintenance technicians, including work scheduling, technical guidance, and workforce development.
4. Manage spare parts inventory and critical spare strategies to ensure equipment reliability and maintenance readiness.
5. Lead reliability initiatives, including reliability meetings, equipment performance analysis, and continuous improvement activities.
6. Conduct root cause analyses of equipment and process failures and implement effective corrective actions and engineering solutions.
7. Provide technical expertise and troubleshooting support for mechanical, electrical, automation, and control systems, including Siemens PLC and TIA Portal applications.
8. Maintain technical documentation and monitor key maintenance performance indicators (MTTR, MTBF, downtime, and maintenance costs) to drive operational reliability and cost efficiency.
9. Perform other duties as directed by the Plant Engineering manager.
10. Ensure all ESH procedures, policies and legal requirements are implemented and monitored.

NOTE: May not be inclusive of all work required and may be updated as needed.

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related Engineering Field
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.
• No relocation assistance is offered for this position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous manufacturing experience
• Master's degree in Engineering field 

Environment

• Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures/ guidelines must be always adhered to. This includes safety wear such as hearing protection and steel toe shoes. 
• The job is within a non-climate controlled environment where you will be exposed to temperature swings (hot/cold), forklift and pedestrian traffic, and noise. Majority of work completed in a high heat environment.
• The role involves various physical tasks, including lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and operating machinery, with comprehensive training provided. 

THE PERKS

• Immediate Benefits 
• Robust Total Rewards Package
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Employer 401k Match
• Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment with 20+ Employee Resource groups.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Future Growth Opportunities, including personal and professional
• And many more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

The starting annual salary for this role is $92,106 a year.

Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.