Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineer (Entry Level)Location: Itasca, ILIndustry: Precision Metal Fabrication, Metal Stamping & ManufacturingSalary: 60-70k About the OpportunityWe're partnering with a well-established, family-owned precision manufacturing company with over 70 years of success serving customers across industries including aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, automotive, and consumer products.This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate or early-career engineer looking to build a well-rounded career in manufacturing. Rather than being limited to design work alone, you'll work directly with engineering, production, quality, machining, fabrication, and work to improve manufacturing processes.What You'll Do:Collaborate with senior engineers on new product introductions and existing product improvements.Create and update 3D models, engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks.Support Design for Manufacturing (DFM) initiatives to improve manufacturability, quality, and production efficiency.Work closely with production, machining, fabrication, welding, and quality teams to troubleshoot manufacturing issues.Assist with tooling, fixtures, gauges, and workholding concepts that improve production processes.Participate in continuous improvement and process optimization projects focused on safety, quality, and efficiency.Help identify root causes of production issues and implement corrective actions.Support prototype builds and transition new products into production.Develop and maintain engineering documentation, work instructions, and manufacturing standards.Spend time on the production floor learning manufacturing processes and supporting day-to-day operations.Collaborate across departments to ensure products meet customer specifications and quality requirements.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.Internship, co-op, or project experience in manufacturing is a plus.Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.Strong understanding of engineering drawings and basic GD&T principles.Interest in manufacturing processes such as machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, or metal stamping.Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.Eagerness to learn, take initiative, and grow within a manufacturing organization.Why This Opportunity Stands Out:Join a financially stable manufacturer with more than 70 years of success.Family-oriented culture with exceptional employee retention.Exposure to both Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering—not just sitting behind a CAD screen.Work directly with production and experienced engineers while gaining hands-on manufacturing experience.Diverse projects spanning design, manufacturing support, tooling, process improvement, and production optimization.Opportunity to make a visible impact on products and manufacturing operations.Leadership team committed to mentorship, professional development, and promoting from within.Build a strong foundation in metal fabrication, machining, welding, stamping, and manufacturing engineering that will accelerate your long-term career growth.