Manufacturing Engineer

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Ottawa, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$40–$55 Per Hour
SKILLS
3D Modeling, Analysis Skills, Automation, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Capital Equipment, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Engineering, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Lean Manufacturing, Machine Tool, Machining, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Multitasking, Network Routers, Operational Support, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Production Planning, Production Support, Production Systems, Project/Program Management, Proofreading, Safety Process, Safety/Work Safety, SolidWorks, Supply Chain, Test Plan/Schedule, Testing, Time Management, Tolerance Analysis, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation
LOCATION
Ottawa, IL
POSTED
30+ days ago
Title: Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Hybrid - Fulltime – Manufacturing Facility
Hire Type: Contract
Shift/Hours: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Base Salary: $40-55/hour (DOE)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision; PTO; 401(k); Tuition Reimbursement

About the Opportunity
A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop, optimize, and implement production processes that drive quality, safety, and cost efficiency. This role focuses on process improvement, fixture design, automation, and cross-functional collaboration to support operational excellence and scalable growth.

Job Duties
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process routers.
• Design fixtures, tooling, and recommend automation and capital equipment improvements.
• Create test plans, inspection protocols, and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis, GD&T application, and manufacturability assessments.
• Support ERP-driven production planning and project management initiatives.
• Collaborate with quality, production, and supply chain to resolve process gaps and reduce defects.
• Evaluate and qualify vendors/subcontractors to ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, throughput, and quality.
• Support production floor operations and ensure safety-first process design.

Qualifications
• BS in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline required.
• 5–10 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and machining/fixture limitations.
• 3D CAD modeling experience required (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience with ERP systems, project management, and process documentation.
• Background in lean manufacturing, process optimization, and quality systems.
• Strong problem-solving, time management, and technical communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability

About the Company

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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.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com