Manufacturing Engineer

Job Details: Manufacturing Engineer - Own the line. Drive the change. Salem, IL Competitive base salary plus comprehensive benefits Engineer the processes behind modern automotive lighting You’ll be the Manufacturing Engineer who keeps high-volume automotive assembly lines sharp, efficient, and ready for the next new product. This is hands-on ownership of assembly processes from concept to full production — layouts, tooling, APQP, prototypes, and continuous improvement. You’re not just supporting production. You’re shaping how new lighting products are built, scaled, and launched. If you know how to turn smart engineering into smooth, reliable manufacturing, we want to talk to you. What You'll Work On You’ll be the go-to technical resource for complex automotive assembly operations: Assembly line layouts and workflow optimizationAssembly methods and change-over fixturingGauges, WIP storage, and tool storage strategyAdvanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)Process FMEAs and process flow developmentProcess design documentation and standardsPrototype and pre-production buildsProject milestone and micro-schedule support You’ll work directly with plant assembly operations, APQP deliverables (PFMEA, Process Flow Charts, Process Design Sheets), and internal reporting like ISIR. Your core challenge: make complex assembly processes safer, faster, and more reliable — without sacrificing quality. What You'll Be Doing Providing day-to-day technical support for assembly processes in the plantTraining team members on assembly processes and best practicesAnalyzing assembly line layouts, workflow, and assembly methods to maximize efficiencyEvaluating and improving change-over fixturing, gauges, and tool storageDesigning and maintaining work-in-process (WIP) storage strategiesDeveloping APQP requirements including PFMEA, Process Flow Charts, and Process Design SheetsLeading and participating in prototype and pre-production sample buildsPreparing and distributing internal Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR)Supporting program-level project macro-schedules with detailed engineering micro-schedulesTracking project milestones and driving on-time completion of engineering deliverablesIdentifying process equipment load requirements for new and existing linesDefining tooling, equipment, and new process needs and communicating them to internal stakeholders What We're Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline2 to 4 years of related manufacturing experienceBackground working with assembly processes in a production environmentExperience developing or working with PFMEA, process flows, or similar quality planning toolsComfort leading and supporting prototype and pre-production buildsAbility to analyze layouts, workflows, and methods for efficiency improvementsExperience supporting cross-functional project schedules and milestonesExposure to Just In Time (JIT) automotive manufacturing is preferred The Experience That Will Really Get Our Attention You’ve been the manufacturing or process engineer that production calls first — the one who understands the line, the tooling, and the quality docs, and can turn problems into stable processes. You’re comfortable in a JIT, automotive-style environment where uptime, timing, and quality all matter. If you’ve personally driven improvements in assembly efficiency using APQP tools and supported successful prototype-to-production launches, you’ll stand out here. High-signal experience: APQP PFMEA Process Flow Charts Process Design Sheets Assembly line layout Change-over fixturing Gauges WIP management Tool storage Prototype builds Pre-production builds ISIR JIT automotive manufacturing Why This Opportunity? You’ll step into a high-impact role where your engineering decisions directly affect throughput, quality, and launch timing for advanced automotive lighting products. You get both sides of manufacturing engineering: stabilizing and improving current assembly processes, and engineering the path for new product designs to be built at scale. On top of that, you’ll have access to world-class health insurance, an award-winning 401k plan, paid time off, relocation assistance, supplier discounts, and a company-sponsored wellness program with gym reimbursement. You’ll be part of an organization that actively supports diversity and mutual respect across all backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. Important Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related discipline required 2 To 4 Years Of Related Manufacturing Experience Required Interested? If you’re ready to own manufacturing processes, drive real improvements on the line, and help launch next-generation automotive lighting, let’s talk. Please send your resume to jakem@libertyjobs.com Jake Moyer 4842381970 Keywords Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Automotive Manufacturing, JIT, Just In Time, Assembly Line, Assembly Processes, APQP, Advanced Product Quality Planning, PFMEA, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, Process Flow Charts, Process Design Sheets, Prototype Builds, Pre-Production, ISIR, Initial Sample Inspection Report, WIP, Work In Process, Tooling, Fixtures, Change-over Fixturing, Gauges, Production Engineering, Industrial Technology, Salem IL jobs, automotive lighting, plant engineer, production support