Engineering Journal Jobs in Lake Forest Illinois

Job Title: Packaging Engineer

Location: North Chicago, IL

Hire Type: Open-ended Contract, Onsite

Target Pay Rate: $40.00 - $45.00/hour (W2)

Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS Medical plans, Dental/Vision plans, 401(k), and ESOP

Must-Have Skills:

• Packaging design & development experience (materials, structures, functionality)
• Packaging testing & validation expertise (performance, shipping, integrity)
• Manufacturing/plant experience (trials, troubleshooting, production support)

Job Summary:

The Packaging Engineer develops and implements packaging solutions for new and existing products, ensuring functionality, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with manufacturing. This role supports pharmaceutical and/or combination product packaging through design, testing, validation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Job Duties:

• Design and develop primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging solutions
• Create and maintain packaging documentation (BOMs, specs, assembly instructions)
• Lead packaging validation and ensure compliance with FDA regulations (21 CFR 201, 210, 211)
• Develop and execute testing protocols (performance, container/closure integrity, shipping)
• Conduct plant trials, analyze results, and make recommendations on packaging viability
• Evaluate new materials and technologies to improve performance, cost, and efficiency
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to meet project timelines
• Support labeling, artwork review, and packaging design verification
• Troubleshoot packaging issues and support manufacturing operations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science, Packaging Engineering, or related field
• 2+ years of packaging design experience.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (corrugate, plastics, cartons, films) and testing methods
• Experience with packaging validation, documentation, and regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and packaging equipment (e.g., form-fill-seal)
• Ability to create 2D drawings
• Experience with pharmaceutical or combination product packaging is a plus.

Product Manager

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $110,000 – $130,000 + Annual Bonus
• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Match

About the Opportunity

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a leading organization to hire a Product Manager who will drive innovation, profitability, and strategic growth across a diverse product portfolio.

This role is ideal for a data-driven, strategic thinker who thrives in retail manufacturing or industrial product environments and enjoys balancing high-level strategy with hands-on execution. You’ll play a key role in shaping product direction—not just responding to customer requests, but proactively identifying opportunities that impact the broader market.

What You’ll Do

Product Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Lead product innovation through competitive analysis, gap identification, and market insights
• Manage and optimize product portfolios, including SKU rationalization and lifecycle management
• Identify new product opportunities aligned with business goals and market demand
• Own product data and performance metrics to drive strategic decision-making
• Partner with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to refine product specs, cost structures, and procurement strategies

New Product Development

• Develop and execute product roadmaps focused on innovation and value creation
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure successful product launches and market adoption
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across multiple product lines

Pricing Strategy

• Analyze market trends and competitor pricing to ensure optimal positioning
• Implement pricing strategies that drive both revenue growth and margin expansion
• Conduct pricing analysis and experiments to evaluate demand and profitability

Channel & Go-to-Market Strategy (Place & Promotion)

• Define and optimize sales channels (distribution, e-commerce, dealer networks, etc.)
• Partner with Marketing to develop promotional strategies, campaigns, and product positioning
• Support merchandising, packaging, and product content strategies across channels
• Build and manage promotional calendars aligned with key sales events and market opportunities

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5+ years of Product Management experience with a focus on strategy, innovation, and analytics
• Experience in retail manufacturing, industrial, or durable goods environments
• Strong background in competitive analysis, pricing strategy, and portfolio management
• Proven ability to influence internal product strategy at scale, beyond individual customer requests
• B2B experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred)
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Demonstrated career stability and long-term impact in prior roles

We are looking for an experienced Scrum Master to support the delivery of enterprise AI and analytics solutions across global clients.

This role focuses on enabling high-performing data and engineering teams, ensuring Agile best practices are applied effectively, and driving consistent delivery outcomes in complex, fast-paced environments.

What You’ll Do

• Facilitate Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, stand-ups, reviews, retrospectives, and backlog refinement
• Enable delivery across data, analytics, and AI teams, ensuring alignment and momentum across workstreams
• Partner with product owners and stakeholders to maintain clear, prioritized backlogs
• Track and report on Agile metrics (velocity, burndown, cycle time) to drive continuous improvement
• Identify and remove blockers impacting delivery and team productivity
• Coordinate across cross-functional teams to manage dependencies and delivery risks
• Promote Agile best practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, or Agile Delivery Lead
• Experience supporting data, analytics, or software engineering teams
• Strong understanding of Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe)
• Hands-on experience with tools like JIRA or Azure DevOps
• Strong communication and facilitation skills with the ability to align technical and business stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to drive delivery outcomes, not just facilitate ceremonies

Nice to Have

• Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, life sciences, financial services)
• Exposure to AI/ML or data platform environments

Why This Role

• Work on high-impact AI and analytics initiatives across enterprise clients
• Play a key role in driving delivery across data and engineering teams
• Opportunity to influence Agile practices and team performance at scale
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across product, engineering, and business

About MathCo

MathCo is a global Enterprise AI and Analytics company helping Fortune 500 organizations solve complex business problems through data and AI. Our work spans advanced analytics, AI platforms, and scalable solutions that deliver measurable business impact.

Position Title: Director of Manufacturing

Reports to: Head of Operations

Role Description

The Director of Manufacturing will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the daily operations of the manufacturing facility. This individual will be responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and ensuring the smooth operation of all activities within the plant, with an emphasis on maintaining high productivity, efficiency, safety, and the highest quality standards. The Director of Manufacturing will collaborate with various departments, which include Product Development, Marketing and Accounting, in support of all commercial and financial objectives. Departments under Director of Manufacturing’s direct leadership include production, quality control, maintenance, and logistics.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of engineers, technicians, and production staff in eyewear frame manufacturing to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Develop and implement strategies to improve product quality, process capability, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Partner with design and product development team to transition new frame designs into scalable, stable production.

• Manage day-to-day operations of in-house frame manufacturing.

• Manage capital projects and equipment upgrades to enhance production capabilities and support scaling initiatives.

• Champion a culture of craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Product Engineering & Product Development Support

• Develop industry standards and provide DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback during early design phases, influencing materials, tolerances, and construction methods for new eyewear frames.

• Translate product design into production-ready engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, specifications, and process routings.

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and product designers to develop innovative solutions for frame construction, hinge integration, and surface finishing.

• Assist in the technical training of product development and production staff on new materials and processes.

• Document, standardize, and improve processes across machining, shaping, assembly, and finishing operations.

• Introduce and sustain lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve quality, and shorten lead times.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for process and product issues.

• Maintain equipment capability and recommend capital investments in manufacturing technology. • Implement measurement and inspection methods for critical-to-quality features. Operational Excellence

• Develop metrics for yield, cycle time, and productivity to develop consistent, manual master planning for more predictable production throughput.

• Coordinate with supply chain and vendor partners on components and outsourced processes (e.g., plating, coatings, laser engraving).

• Team Leadership: Successfully manages the manufacturing, quality control, and industrial design teams, comprised of a skilled labor pool of exempt and non-exempt employees. Direct and lead the team with clear priorities and goals in support of broader business initiatives and to ensure quality, efficiency and collaboration at all times. Actively develops supervisors and leads to engage and motivate the workforce. Provides ongoing training/support for continuous skill development.
• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Continuously evaluate existing processes to enhance output; leverage industry expertise as well as manufacturing background to implement the most efficient manufacturing solutions for eyewear production. Identify and implement new technologies, and systems to enhance resource use and streamline operations. Constantly strive to improve the operation in support of business goals and market needs (quality, cost, efficiency, timeliness etc.)
• Equipment & Machinery Oversight: Strong knowledge of specialized equipment and machinery, with the ability to diagnose, repair, and source parts, especially in collaboration with the Maintenance Manager.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with executive leadership and other departments to achieve organizational goals and ensure operational efficiency. Key stakeholders include Product Development, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Purchasing
• Alignment with Business Plan: Work closely with key stakeholders to ensure manufacturing plans meet the expectations of the business (ie: COGS, timing, quality etc).
• Budget Mgt and Cost Control: Establish appropriate annual plans and budgets in support of production forecasts and actively manage labor and raw material costs to ensure targets are met. Sets the foundation for growth, scalability and profitability in the manufacturing center.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, Engineering, or other industry-related field required; MBA preferred  At least ten years of manufacturing experience
• Prior experience leading teams and managing complex initiatives

Position Details

• Full-time onsite position based at our Vernon Hills, IL Headquarters

LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Director, Indirect Procurement to join their team. You will lead a large, enterprise-wide spend portfolio. This is a highly visible role for a procurement leader who thrives in hands-on, stakeholder-facing environments and brings deep expertise across transportation, logistics, facilities, and utilities categories. This position offers the opportunity to shape strategy while remaining closely embedded in the business—working directly with executive leadership, plant operations, and cross-functional partners to drive value, resilience, and long-term capability.

The Opportunity:

The Director of Indirect Procurement will own and lead a $1B+ annual indirect spend portfolio, with primary emphasis on:

• Transportation and logistics (3PL – over-the-road and ocean).
• Warehousing and distribution services.
• Utilities, facilities, and site services.

This leader will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that balance cost, service, risk, and scalability across a multi-site manufacturing and operations footprint.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead enterprise-wide sourcing strategies across transportation, logistics, warehousing, utilities, facilities, and related indirect categories.
• Act as a trusted business partner to senior executives and site leadership, ensuring procurement is fully embedded in core business decisions.
• Drive total cost of ownership improvements while maintaining service continuity and supply assurance.
• Lead complex supplier negotiations and long-term contractual strategies across domestic and international providers.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that enable innovation, flexibility, and performance improvement.
• Partner closely with operations, finance, engineering, and HR to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Develop and manage annual value creation targets, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Ensure procurement governance, policies, and standards are consistently applied across the organization.

Leadership & Talent Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing indirect procurement team.
• Play an active role in hiring, onboarding, and succession planning for procurement talent.
• Establish clear performance expectations, development plans, and engagement rhythms.
• Foster a hands-on, collaborative culture that values accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as a primary procurement interface to executive leadership and senior business stakeholders.
• Navigate complex, sometimes competing priorities across multiple plants and functions.
• Travel to manufacturing sites, vendors, and key stakeholders as needed (approximately 20–25%; majority of sites located in IL/WI).

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
• Significant, progressive leadership experience in indirect procurement within large, complex organizations.
• Deep expertise in transportation procurement (3PL – over-the-road and ocean), warehousing, utilities, and facilities.
• Proven experience managing and influencing large-scale spend portfolios (approaching or exceeding $1B annually).
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence, challenge, and partner at the senior leadership level.
• Hands-on leadership style with a track record of being embedded in the business.
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing, industrial, or asset-intensive environments.
• Background in organizations with mature procurement and sourcing functions.
• Exposure to international suppliers and global sourcing strategies.

Compensation Range: $200,000 - $240,000 + 25% Bonus

Benefits Offered: 3 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 Director, Indirect Procurementlooking 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 free to check us out and apply for other opportunities if this role isn’t a perfect match.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit

Company Overview

Medix is partnered with a leading manufacturer of high-precision orthopedic implants, delivering innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes. Their state-of-the-art CNC manufacturing operations require meticulous planning, coordination, and execution to ensure timely production and delivery of high-quality implants.

Position Summary

Medix partnered with this manufacturer to recruit a highly organized and analytical Master Planner to manage production planning, inventory, and supply chain scheduling for their CNC manufacturing operations. The Master Planner will work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams to ensure the right materials and products are available at the right time, meeting both production and customer demand.

*** This is a 6 month contract with potential for conversion to a direct employee. ***

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and execute master production and material plans to meet demand for orthopedic implants.
• Balance demand, capacity, and material constraints across production lines.
• Analyze historical data, forecasts, sales orders, and system reports to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve planning accuracy, throughput, and key performance metrics.
• Pull, interpret, and report key metrics to track and improve planning performance.
• Identify system and process gaps, support system “test drives,” and drive workflow optimization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and procurement to align production schedules with customer requirements and machine capacity.
• Communicate proactively with internal stakeholders regarding changes in demand, lead times, and production schedules.
• Support new product introductions (NPIs) by coordinating required materials, tooling, and production capacity.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems (Connexus, Oracle preferred) to plan, schedule, and track production activities.
• Lead and guide a team of 3 planners on metrics, planning activities, and system improvements.
• Identify process improvement opportunities in planning, scheduling, and inventory management.

Required Experience & Skills

• 5+ years of experience in production planning, master scheduling, or supply chain planning
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• Experience with Connexus and Oracle ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of demand and supply planning, production planning, and manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with validation processes, material movement, and machining environments (CNC experience a plus).
• CNC machining environment experience is preferred; knowledge of FDA/ISO regulations is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Role Focus

• Heavy emphasis on systems, data analysis, and process improvement.
• Not customer/account-facing.
• Involves planning and some financial decision-making.
• Supports a large machining operation with a focus on improving key performance metrics and overall planning efficiency.

Job Description

Who will you be working with?

You'll be joining Wabtec Bus Solutions, a team driving innovation in Transit Bus & Rail systems, including passenger door systems, wheelchair lifts & ramps, e-Bus charging systems, driver’s protective barriers, and more. We blend technical expertise with deep product knowledge to deliver high-impact solutions for our customers and communities.

How will you make a difference?

As a Manufacturing Engineer II within Wabtec Bus Solutions, you will perform a variety of manufacturing engineering assignments including developing, evaluating and improving manufacturing methods within the industrial plant. Estimate production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions. Confers with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, and other considerations to facilitate production processes. Train technical as well as non-technical associations, assist others through moderate to complex tasks and apply statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential issues while driving solutions.

What do we want to know about you?

You may be a good fit if you have:

• Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from four-year College or university; or three to six years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, FMEA, PFMEA ,Gemba events. Experience (6 months or more) in Auto-Cad, or ProE/ Solid Works is required.
• Exceptional technical and problem-solving skills and reasoning capability
• Must be a self-motivated and a great team worker

What will your typical day look like?

• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Conduct DFMEA sessions to identify and mitigate design risks

What about the physical demands of the job?

• Primarily office-plant based work
• Use a computer for extended periods
• Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds
• Stand, walk, and navigate facilities
• Occasional travel (10%) to customers and manufacturing sites

You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

Additional Information

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $6 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at . Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

#LI-JS1

Role Description

The Development Manager primarily supports Core Acquisitions' Development and Construction departments, with a secondary focus on the Acquisition and Asset Management team. This role will contribute in all aspects of the development process from site evaluation, underwriting and tenant procurement through design, entitlement, construction, tenant installation and building disposition. The Development Manager will be a key representative of the firm for interactions with landowners, municipal officials, consultants, contractors, tenants, brokers, and investment partners. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make meaningful contributions to an established and fast growing best-in-class boutique development and investment company. The Development Manager should have relevant experience in real estate acquisition, development, investment, disposition, and management.

About Core Acquisitions

Core Acquisitions is a Deerfield, IL based boutique commercial real estate investment, development, and property management company. Core focuses on the retail property sector, managing over 4 million square feet of property historically. Since Core’s inception in 2011, Core has acquired 5-10 deals per year utilizing relationship debt and equity sources. Core continues to grow and evolve as a company which allows this position exceptional growth opportunities

Requirements:

• 2 to 4+ years of project management and team leadership
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Experience in entitlements and the development process
• Professional knowledge of building construction, civil engineering, and architecture
• Understanding of real estate property and contract law
• Strong financial and underwriting experience
• Commercial tenant lease analysis
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills

Primary Responsibilities will include:

• Manage design consultant coordination and municipal entitlement submittals
• Point of contact between ownership, consultants, contractors, municipalities, and investment partners
• Assist Development Director, Engineering, Project Managers, and Architects with permitting coordination through issuance
• Manage the project schedule in coordination with the firm’s development team and outside consultants
• Create, distribute, and update project schedules
• Organize in-depth tracking of project pipeline
• Coordinate internal project communication
• Attend any pre-submittal jurisdictional meetings and resolve permitting delays
• Participate in all construction status meetings
• Ensure budget status is clearly communicated to internal team, investment partners and lenders
• Analyze budget to actual costs throughout construction process
• Development proforma underwriting

Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Position will include a competitive base salary and bonus tied to performance. Please submit resumes to  

• Develop and maintain short- and long-term production schedules aligned with demand forecasts and customer requirements
• Coordinate with manufacturing, procurement, and inventory teams to ensure raw material and packaging availability
• Balance production capacity, labor, and equipment constraints while minimizing downtime and changeovers
• Monitor production performance and adjust schedules in real time to address disruptions or demand changes
• Collaborate with Quality and Food Safety teams to ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards (FDA, USDA, SQF, HACCP, GMP)
• Maintain accurate production data within ERP/MRP systems
• Analyze KPIs such as schedule adherence, inventory turns, service levels, and waste
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and service reliability
• Participate in S&OP and demand planning meetings as needed
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field
• 2–5+ years of production planning or scheduling experience in a food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and inventory management
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems , Ideally D365
• Working knowledge of food safety and quality standards
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  
  

LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v.

All assignments are at-will and their duration is subject to change.