MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

Job DetailsJob Location: Smalley LZ - Lake Zurich, IL 600476004Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 SalaryJob Shift: OfficeJob Category: EngineeringAbout us Smalley is the global manufacturing leader of precision metal formed products – known for  our Spirolox® retaining rings and Crest-to- Crest® wave springs. Our success is propelled by our inventive spirit, devoted team members, extensive engineering proficiency, and technical ability, cultivated by over 100 years of manufacturing excellence. We supply to industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, robotics and industrial machinery – supporting over 70% of the Fortune 500 global manufacturers. We are proud of our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products, relentless pursuit of improvement, and unwavering dedication to providing excellent service to our valued customers. Why Smalley? At Smalley, we take pride in cultivating an inclusive work environment that values creativity, collaboration and diversity. We believe in our associates' unique perspectives that they bring to every challenge, which is why we will empower you to push the boundaries of what is possible. We are committed to nurturing an enjoyable work atmosphere demonstrated through activities such as Spirit Days, Cancer Awareness events, Health and Wellness activities, and fun sports opportunities to play in basketball, bags, and ping pong tournaments! We Offer Competitive compensation and benefits package as well as: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, PTO, and more! Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth Ongoing learning and training and development opportunities Company and department led team-building activities and events Job Summary will play a critical role in driving operational excellence across Smalley’s manufacturing operations. This role focuses on process optimization, capacity analysis, labor standards, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement, supporting both high‑mix/low‑volume and high‑volume production environments. The successful candidate will work cross‑functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Tooling, Logistics, and Operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Key Responsibilities Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing Analyze manufacturing workflows for wave spring and retaining ring production, identifying bottlenecks and improvement opportunities. Develop and maintain standardized work instructions, visual controls, and process documentation. Lead and support Lean initiatives including value stream mapping, Kaizen events, standard work, 5S, and waste elimination. Time Studies & Labor Standards Conduct time studies and work measurement to establish accurate labor standards and production rates. Support labor planning, staffing models, and capacity analysis for multiple product families. Collaborate with Operations to balance workloads and improve line efficiency. Capacity & Data Analysis Perform capacity modeling and throughput analysis to support production planning and capital investment decisions. Analyze operational data (OEE, scrap, downtime, cycle times) to identify trends and recommend corrective actions. Develop dashboards and KPIs to support continuous improvement tracking. Manufacturing Support Support corrective and preventive actions (root cause analysis, PFMEA updates, control plans). Assist in optimizing plant layout, material flow, and ergonomic design. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with Production Supervisors and Operators to implement improvements on the shop floor. Support cost reduction initiatives and productivity goals aligned with business objectives. QualificationsRequired Qualifications Comfortable working in a hands‑on, shop‑floor‑based environment. Experience performing time studies, work measurement, and labor standards development. Proven ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable improvements. Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across all organizational levels. Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline. 5+ years of hands‑on Industrial Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools. Proficiency with Excel and data analysis tools; ERP/MES/SPC system experience preferred. Preferred Qualifications Experience in precision component manufacturing. Familiarity with high‑mix/low‑volume manufacturing and engineered‑to‑order products. Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification. Secondary and Finishing Processes (Heat Treatment, Passivation, Coatings) Inspection Methodologies (calipers, micrometer, optical) Knowledge of ISO 9001 / IATF / 13485 or aerospace quality systems. What Success Looks Like Measurable improvements in productivity, throughput, and labor efficiency. Reduced lead times and improved on‑time delivery. Strong engagement with cross functional and shop floor teams, and sustained improvement in mindset. Data‑driven decision making that supports Smalley’s growth and innovation goals. Apply today and discover the opportunities that await you! A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $85,000 - $110,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. This role is bonus/and or incentive eligible. EEO/Affirmative Action Smalley is an equal opportunity employer and believes in equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Accordingly, all employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity. These decisions include recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and other personnel actions involving persons in all job titles and shall occur without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, ancestry, marital status, or any other legally protected class as recognized by applicable law. You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, paid holidays, paid time off and 401(k). *Should you need further assistance to apply to any of our job postings or have any general questions, please contact us at 847-719-5900.