Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Position: Entry- Level Manufacturing Engineer

Job Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $65,000 - $82,000 depending on experience

Hours: Day Shift (Occasional Off-Shift or On-Call Support Required) 

Location: Elgin, IL 

Requirements: Resume, Interview, E-verify

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Supplemental life, and short-term disability insurance, basic life insurance and AD&D coverage, PTO. 

We are seeking an Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer to join our team and play a key role in supporting production operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is not a desk job. You'll spend the majority of your time on the production floor working directly with operators, maintenance technicians, and production equipment to troubleshoot issues, improve reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Equipment Troubleshooting & Production Support

• Respond to equipment breakdowns and production line stoppages.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and process-related issues.
• Work closely with maintenance technicians and production operators to restore equipment and minimize downtime.
• Identify recurring equipment failures and help implement long-term corrective actions.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and spare parts management.

Automation & Controls

• Assist with troubleshooting and maintaining automated production equipment.
• Support conveyors, fillers, packaging systems, sensors, motors, and PLC-controlled equipment.
• Participate in equipment upgrades, installations, and sensor calibrations.
• Develop troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and controls-related issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Observe manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and waste reduction.
• Assist with process improvement projects and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Document procedures, equipment modifications, and process changes.
• Support safety, quality, and food-safety compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Civil Engineering.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing, walking, lifting, exposure to noise, and varying temperatures.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred

• Internship, co-op, lab, shop, automotive, robotics, or other hands-on technical experience.
• Exposure to PLCs, sensors, motors, pneumatics, HMIs, or basic ladder logic through coursework or projects.
• Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with CAD software.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or CMMS systems.

Just In Time Staffing seeks to pair top candidates with opportunities that will be mutually beneficial for both them and the employers.