gpac | The Recruitment Platform

Manufacturing Engineer in Des Plaines

Date Posted: 22 July 2026

Job Snapshot

Job Description

Our client, a well-established precision manufacturer, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support the design, development, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for wire forms, springs, and precision metal components. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving production challenges, improving efficiencies, and working closely with operations to drive measurable results.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with experience optimizing manufacturing processes, supporting new product launches, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a precision manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, improve, and optimize manufacturing processes for wire forms, springs, and precision metal components.
  • Partner with Production to improve efficiency, quality, throughput, and overall manufacturing performance.
  • Support quoting activities by reviewing engineering drawings, estimating manufacturing requirements, and recommending production methods.
  • Assist with prototype development and new product introductions (NPI).
  • Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing process improvements.
  • Identify automation opportunities and improve workflow throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Perform time studies, process capability analysis, and root cause investigations.
  • Reduce scrap, improve cycle times, and increase overall equipment and labor efficiency.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production on Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and provide technical solutions that improve productivity and product quality.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent manufacturing engineering experience).
  • Manufacturing engineering experience in a precision metal manufacturing environment.
  • Experience supporting process improvement, tooling, fixtures, and production optimization.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams.
  • Excellent communication and project management skills.

Preferred Experience

  • Wire forms
  • Precision springs
  • Precision metal components
  • Tooling and fixture design
  • Process development
  • New Product Introduction (NPI)
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Time Studies
  • Automation
  • Manufacturing quotations and cost estimating

Why Join?

  • Join a stable, growing precision manufacturer
  • Opportunity to influence manufacturing strategy and process improvements
  • Collaborative engineering and operations environment
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
  • Long-term career advancement opportunities

Interested?

For confidential consideration or to learn more, contact:

Alana SeddonExecutive Search Consultant | Manufacturing & Industrial Operationsgpac – Growing People and Companies

Email: alana.seddon@gogpac.com

All inquiries and candidate information will be held in the strictest confidence.

Keywords

Manufacturing Engineer • Process Engineer • Industrial Engineer • Mechanical Engineer • Manufacturing Engineering • Wire Forms • Springs • Precision Metal Components • Tooling Design • Fixture Design • Process Improvement • Continuous Improvement • Lean Manufacturing • Root Cause Analysis • Time Studies • Automation • New Product Introduction • NPI • GD&T • Blueprint Reading • Production Support • Manufacturing Processes • Cost Estimating • Quoting • Process Optimization • Scrap Reduction • Cycle Time Improvement • Precision Manufacturing • Metal Manufacturing • Engineering

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

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