Job Description

Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing & Quality Systems

Location: East Central Illinois
Compensation: $105,000–$125,000
Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site | No Travel

An established industrial equipment manufacturer is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead process improvements and oversee the company's Quality Management System (QMS).

This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing efficiency, quality, and cost reduction while working closely with Engineering, Production, and leadership. Ideal candidates bring experience in metal fabrication, manufacturing engineering, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Improve manufacturing processes, workflows, production efficiency, and safety.
• Lead LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop manufacturing aids, jigs, fixtures, and standardized work instructions.
• Review blueprints, BOMs, routings, and engineering changes.
• Identify production bottlenecks and improve manufacturability.
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including procedures, documentation, and internal audits.
• Manage corrective actions (CAR), root-cause investigations, and quality metrics.
• Oversee welder qualifications, calibration systems, and supplier quality.
• Coordinate engineering projects and resolve production and customer quality issues.
• Provide technical guidance and training to manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred.
• 2+ years of quality assurance or QMS experience preferred.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Welding, or related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, BOMs, and routings.
• Strong troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Metal fabrication or mechanical equipment manufacturing experience.
• LEAN Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• CAD/Autodesk Inventor or other 2D/3D design software.
• Welding standards, internal audits, and supplier quality experience.

Why Join?

• $105,000–$125,000 annually
• Competitive benefits package
• Employee share purchase plan
• Opportunity to lead both manufacturing engineering and quality initiatives
• Direct influence on plant performance and continuous improvement
• No travel required

Interested?

Alana Seddon | gpacExecutive Search Consultant |
Manufacturing & Industrial Operations
785-783-6703alana.seddon@gogpac.com

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

Keywords

Manufacturing Engineer • Quality Engineer • QMS • Manufacturing Engineering • Metal Fabrication • Process Engineering • LEAN Manufacturing • Continuous Improvement • Root Cause Analysis • Corrective Action • CAR • Internal Audits • Quality Assurance • CAD • Autodesk Inventor • BOMs • Routings • Welding Standards • Supplier Quality • Process Improvement

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.