Job description
ForgeWorks Manufacturing Group is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our Chicago facility. You will lead process improvements, standardize work practices, and drive automation initiatives across highâvolume production lines. Partner with operations, quality, maintenance, and suppliers to deliver safe, efficient and costâeffective manufacturing solutions. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in lean manufacturing, problem solving, and crossâfunctional leadership.
In this role you will shape the future of our production footprint by implementing robust process controls, leading kaizen events, and mentoring teams to achieve standout performance in quality, safety, and delivery.
Responsibility
- Lead continuous improvement projects to optimize manufacturing processes, reducing waste and cycle times.
- Design and implement process controls, standard work, and operator training to ensure consistent quality.
- Lead line layout optimization, takt time analysis, and capacity planning for existing and new products.
- Collaborate with maintenance and automation teams to deploy robotics, PLC controlled processes, and MES integration.
- Drive supplier collaboration for tooling, fixtures, and material handling improvements.
- Support product launches with process validation, PFMEA, control plans, and risk assessments.
- Mentor and develop manufacturing technicians and engineers, fostering a culture of problem solving and safety.
- Implement safety, quality and environmental programs to meet regulatory and corporate standards.
Qualification
- Bachelorâs degree in Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in highâvolume production environments.
- Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and problemâsolving tools.
- Proficiency with PLCs, automation, MES, data analytics, and CAD tools.
- Experience with TPM, OEE, DOE, and statistical process control.
- Excellent communication, crossâfunctional collaboration, and project management skills.
- Willingness to travel 5â10% as needed.
- Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.