Production Engineer

Location: Glendale Heights, IL

Compensation: $85k/yr~ DOE

Hours: 8am – 5pm, however overtime may be occasionally required to accommodate the time difference during meetings with Japan-based stakeholders.

Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite

※Applications will only be considered from candidates who meet the listed job-related qualifications. Please review thoroughly before submitting your application. ※

Company Overview

A manufacturing company specializing in precision drive and motion-control technologies is seeking a Production Engineer to support its manufacturing operations in Glendale Heights, IL.

Position Summary

The Production Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes for gearbox production and warehouse operations. This position serves as the technical bridge between product design and mass production, with a focus on safe, efficient assembly processes, high-precision quality standards, automation, productivity improvement, and cost reduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize assembly sequences, takt time, workstation layouts, and production flow.
• Design and implement warehouse/logistics automation, including barcode systems, AS/RS, AMRs, and related material-handling solutions.
• Specify, procure, and commission production equipment, including presses, automated fastening systems, testing equipment, jigs, and fixtures.
• Support new product introduction and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews.
• Lead continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives focused on bottlenecks, waste, scrap, downtime, ergonomics, and cost reduction.
• Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, process flowcharts, and PFMEA documentation.
• Troubleshoot production issues and collaborate with Quality Engineering on root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 1–3+ years of production or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience with assembly-line setup and/or process optimization.
• Familiarity with manufacturing automation, such as PLC/HMI controls, robotics, AGVs, or automated material handling.
• Ability to design or develop equipment/automation solutions based on operational requirements.
• Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Inventor.
• Understanding of GD&T and precision assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and/or Six Sigma.
• Strong project management, troubleshooting, and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Business-level English communication skills.
• Ability to work extensively on the factory floor and occasionally lift at least 30 lbs.

Preferred:

• Experience with PLC/HMI systems such as Keyence, Panasonic, or Mitsubishi.
• Experience with industrial robotics such as UR, Epson, or Mitsubishi.
• Experience with gearbox, reducer, or other precision assembly manufacturing.
• Japanese language ability.

Other Details

• Reports to the Production Engineering Manager.
• Hands-on position requiring regular presence on the manufacturing floor.

※This role may include additional responsibilities as needed based on business needs. ※