Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Engineering ManagerLocation: Wheeling, ILCompensation: $120,000–$155,000 + BonusAbout the Opportunity:Our client is a well-established precision machining manufacturer serving the aerospace, medical, and other highly regulated industries. They are looking for an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer or Manufacturing Engineering Leader who is ready to take the next step into an Engineering Manager position.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to remain technically involved while leading and developing an engineering team. You'll have direct influence over manufacturing strategy, process improvements, new product introduction, and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.What You'll Be Doing:Lead and mentor the Manufacturing Engineering team while driving technical excellence across the facility.Support CNC machining operations by improving manufacturing processes, tooling, fixturing, and production workflows.Partner with Production, Quality, and Leadership to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve overall operational performance.Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and throughput.Oversee process development for new product introductions and engineering change implementation.Standardize manufacturing best practices, work instructions, and engineering documentation.Analyze manufacturing metrics and identify opportunities for automation, process optimization, and capacity improvements.Serve as a technical resource for machining processes, manufacturing methods, and engineering problem solving.What We're Looking For:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience within a precision machining or CNC manufacturing environment.Leadership experience or demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical projects.Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, fixtures, GD&T, machining methodologies, and lean manufacturing principles.Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.Comfortable working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Production, and Executive LeadershipWhat Makes This Opportunity Stand Out:Excellent opportunity for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to step into their first Engineering Manager role.Lead an established engineering team while remaining hands-on with manufacturing and process improvements.Work in a high-precision CNC machining environment serving aerospace, medical, and other demanding industries.Significant influence over manufacturing strategy, engineering best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.Backed by a stable, growing organization with strong long-term career advancement opportunities.Competitive compensation package with bonus potential and excellent benefits.