Engineering Jobs in Poplar Grove Illinois

Company Overview

The Horsburgh & Scott Company is a leading manufacturer of industrial gears and custom gear drives, boasting nearly 140 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise. Our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that we deliver the highest quality gearing products and services to our customers. To learn more about our Company and capabilities, visit our website at Horsburgh & Scott | Gear Manufacturer and Gearbox Repair.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for setting up, and operating vertical turning lathes, boring mills, hobbing, shapers, and grinding machines to machine industrial gearing parts to specific tolerances. The operator is responsible for operating controls, setting offsets, edit programs, some deburring, and performing self-inspection of parts in-process and upon completion for conformance to requirements. The Operator will also use large overhead cranes and other large equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience running Okuma and Puma lathes and mills, highly desirable.
• Minimum of three years' experience on a VTL preferably on a YouJi with a Fanuc control system.
• Capable of programing equipment using the conversational programming system on the machine.
• Experience using Master cam.
• Applicant also must understand best VTL turning practices.
• Experience with manual or CNC boring mills, hobs, shapers, and or grinding machines and proficiency with large-part machining a plus.
• Ability to read and blueprints; with the understanding of geometric tolerancing and dimensioning.
• Must be able to perform own setups, measure parts that consistently result in precision quality parts.
• Large overhead crane experience and move large work pieces.
• Able to edit G and M-codes, trouble shoot jobs and make adjustments as required.
• Strong shop mathematics (trigonometry) aptitude and the ability to use precision measuring instruments (calipers, mics and other gauges).
• Must have the ability to use a feed and speed chart or calculator to determine appropriate feeds, speeds, and depths of cut.
• Understanding of metal properties and appropriate cutting tools.
• Positive attitude required; dependable, self-starter and the willingness to help others.
• Ability to work in a large manufacturing environment and performs well with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer to join their team. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in hands‑on operations, enjoys improving processes, and values being the primary technical authority within the manufacturing function.

In this position, you’ll work closely with the Director of Manufacturing, serving as the sole Manufacturing Engineer on site—empowering you with significant ownership, autonomy, and the opportunity to make visible, meaningful improvements across the plant.

This is a key engineering role responsible for optimizing production processes, improving workflow efficiencies, and supporting daily plant operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary engineering resource for all production and process improvement initiatives.
• Partner with operations leadership to identify inefficiencies and implement practical, sustainable improvements to workflow, throughput, and production quality.
• Analyze manufacturing data to troubleshoot issues, eliminate waste, reduce downtime, and improve yield.
• Lead and support continuous improvement projects (Lean, 5S, workflow redesign, process optimization, root‑cause analysis, etc.).
• Develop process standards, best practices, and documentation to strengthen consistency and reliability across the plant.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to drive performance improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Provide hands‑on support in a production environment, engaging directly with operators, technicians, and leadership.
• Assist with environmental and process‑related reporting requirements as needed.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 1+ year of proven manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a hands‑on approach.
• Experience supporting production environments, troubleshooting processes, and driving operational improvements.
• Exposure to chemical processes, plating, fluid systems, or similar environments.
• Familiarity with Lean methodologies, continuous improvement tools, or process optimization strategies.
• Working knowledge of software such as Microsoft Office, CAD platforms, or similar engineering tools.
• A self‑starter who enjoys autonomy and can lead initiatives independently.
• Clear, confident communicator who enjoys engaging with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Compensation Range: $65,000 - $75,000

Benefits Offered: 2 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave where applicable by state law, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance Vision Insurance, 401K, and Life Insurance.

If you are a passionate Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineerlooking for anew and rewarding career, please apply today! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!

LHH is a leader in permanent recruitment—and in the placement of top talent. Our areas of specialty include office administration, customer service, human resources, engineering, and supply chain and logistics. Please feel to check us out and apply for other opportunities if this role isn’t a perfect match.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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Overview

We are seeking a Quality Leader in the Greater Rockford, IL area with an interest and ability to oversee the full quality function for a multi-site manufacturer in the area. This role is responsible for building a strong quality culture, guiding the business through audits, and ensuring compliance with AS9100 while driving measurable improvements across manufacturing, suppliers, and customer-facing processes.

This position has direct leadership responsibility and works closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and executive leadership to protect product integrity, customer satisfaction, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the company’s Quality Management System, ensuring full compliance with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 requirements
• Act as the primary Quality Management Representative for audits, including preparation for and leadership of registrar, customer, and internal audits
• Develop and execute quality strategies that reduce defects, improve yields, and support long-term operational excellence
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Quality team, setting expectations and driving accountability
• Establish and monitor key quality metrics and KPIs to measure system effectiveness and identify trends
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization
• Partner with Engineering during product development and process changes to ensure quality requirements are embedded from design through production
• Build and maintain systems for data collection and analysis to proactively identify risks and improvement opportunities
• Define quality planning methods and standards across all product lines
• Develop and support process qualification and certification activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing) preferred.
• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in Quality leadership within a manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100, corrective action systems, root cause methodologies, and continuous improvement tools
• Experience in aerospace or highly regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence cross-functional partners, and drive cultural change
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with customers, suppliers, auditors, and executive leadership

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.