Job Description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Rockford, IL area

A respected and growth-oriented precision manufacturer is seeking a hands-on, motivated Manufacturing Engineer to join their team. This role is ideal for a technically grounded leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, bridging shop floor engagement with continuous process improvement.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily Gemba walks, interacting directly with production teams to observe, support, and drive floor-level improvements.

• Serve as a visible, confident leader—comfortable addressing teams, fostering engagement, and promoting accountability.

• Split your time between hands-on floor work and structured engineering tasks (approximately 70/30 split desk-to-floor, with the broader MFG team at 50/50).

• Tackle engineering challenges with a "figure-it-out" mentality, balancing responsiveness with long-term process optimization.

• Facilitate internal leadership development—potentially leading twice-monthly training sessions to elevate peer capabilities and foster a learning culture.

• Own change initiatives and lead from the front in implementing them.

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to prepare for customer launches and new production ramp-ups.

What You Bring

• 8–10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment—backgrounds across industrial sectors are welcome.

• Demonstrated leadership qualities, initiative, and self-motivation.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively across teams and levels.

• Track record of solving complex problems in fast-paced settings.

• Strong mix of technical capability and interpersonal confidence.

• Willingness to navigate challenges, lead change, and support growth—especially around quality and production processes.

Why This Opportunity

• Step into a role where leadership potential is recognized, supported, and nurtured.

• Join a company that values hands-on contribution and provides the autonomy to lead quality initiatives.

• Access strong executive and management support as you help shape the future of the facility.

• Be part of a transformation story—help expand quality operations as new customers and programs launch.

• Participate in internal development programs to grow both personally and professionally.

Take the Next Step

If you're a hands-on manufacturing engineer with a passion for leadership and continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to grow with a team that values initiative and impact. Apply now to take your next step in a supportive, forward-moving environment.