Automation, Automation Systems, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Documentation, Electronics, Embedded Systems, Identify Issues, Machine Tool, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Analysis, Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Methods, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Medical Equipment, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Preventative Maintenance, Problem Solving Skills, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Process Improvement, Process Quality, Product Support, Production Systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Robotics, Root Cause Analysis, SolidWorks, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Technical Writing
Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Compensation: $45-$60/hour
Contract Duration: Open-ended contract with potential for direct hire
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in automation machinery, process improvement, and mechanical troubleshooting to support a highly customized production environment. This role will be embedded within a container manufacturing facility supporting a specialized product line, where the production equipment consists of heavily modified and fully custom automation systems.
This position is critical to improving uptime, documenting processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across a complex and evolving manufacturing operation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions, and maintenance procedures for custom automation equipment
- Perform root cause analysis and hands-on troubleshooting of mechanical and automated systems to resolve production issues
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, and throughput
- Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external OEMs to support equipment upgrades, modifications, and optimization efforts
- Participate in design reviews and provide feedback on automation systems and tooling improvements
- Analyze current manufacturing methods and recommend enhancements to processes, layouts, and equipment utilization
- Support development of preventive and corrective maintenance strategies
- Assist in PFMEA, control plans, and other process quality documentation as needed
- Partner cross-functionally with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure manufacturing goals are met
Required Qualifications:
- Strong background in manufacturing engineering within highly automated environments
- Experience working with custom automation machinery and non-standard equipment setups
- Proven ability in mechanical troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Experience developing work instructions, SOPs, and technical documentation
- Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment design, and process improvement methodologies
- Ability to interface with OEMs and cross-functional teams
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in high-volume or complex manufacturing environments (e.g., electronics, medical devices, or similar)
- Familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks (ability to review and interpret designs)
- Experience supporting equipment design reviews or modifications
- Knowledge of PLCs, robotics, or automated systems is a plus
Work Environment:
- Fast-paced manufacturing setting with a mix of legacy and custom-built automation equipment
- High level of cross-functional collaboration
- Hands-on involvement on the production floor
Why This Role:
This is an opportunity to step into a highly impactful role where additional engineering support is urgently needed. Without this position, the team’s ability to troubleshoot issues and develop critical documentation is significantly constrained. The right candidate will play a key role in stabilizing operations and driving meaningful process improvements, with the potential to convert to a full-time position.
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Sterling Engineering, Inc.
Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:
- Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.
- Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.
Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.
500 to 999 employees
Staffing/Employment Agencies
http://www.sterling-engineering.com