Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer in Chicago

Date Posted: Monday, December 22, 2025

Job Snapshot

Job Description

CNC Machine Shop | Manufacturing & Process Improvement

About the Role

We’re a growing CNC machine shop looking for a Mechanical Engineer who enjoys practical, hands-on engineering and seeing designs turn into real parts.

This role is heavily tied to the shop floor. You’ll work directly with CNC machinists, programmers, and operations to support machining processes, tooling, fixtures, and continuous improvement efforts. If you like solving real manufacturing problems and being involved from concept through production, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

  • Design and improve fixtures, tooling, and mechanical components for CNC machining

  • Support milling, turning, and multi-axis machining operations

  • Work with machinists and programmers to improve cycle times, part quality, and throughput

  • Troubleshoot mechanical and process issues on the shop floor
  • Review prints, tolerances, and GD&T to ensure manufacturability

  • Create and maintain basic documentation and work instructions

What We’re Looking For

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

  • Experience working in a CNC machining or manufacturing environment

  • Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, and fixturing

  • Comfortable working directly on the shop floor

  • Solid problem-solving and communication skills

  • Ability to take ownership and follow projects through

Nice to Have

  • Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software

  • GD&T and print interpretation expertise

  • Experience with high-mix / low-volume manufacturing

  • Continuous improvement or Lean experience

  • Exposure to automation or robotic machining cells

Why Work Here

  • Engineers are involved in real production, not isolated in an office

  • Modern CNC equipment with ongoing investment

  • Stable shop with long-term customers

  • Team-focused culture where engineering and machining work together

  • Room to grow as the shop continues to expand

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay and solid benefits

  • Hands-on engineering role with real responsibility

  • Supportive leadership and a practical work environment

Interested?

If you like designing solutions that make CNC machining better, send resume to tim.vanzeeland@gogpac.com

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.