Engineering Journal Jobs in South Elgin, IL

Job Summary:

Hands-on technician to assist with production troubleshooting and support projects to improve manufacturing methods. Assist manufacturing engineers to address equipment and tooling needs to reduce costs and improve product quality on fans, wheels, blower packages, and corresponding component parts.

Responsibilities:

• Under technical direction, troubleshoot and analyze manufacturing problems and implement corrective actions for high quality, efficient manufacturing solutions.
• Support workflow analysis, work methods, plant and department layouts for improved product flow in production.
• Help identify required tools, jigs and fixtures, or other new or special equipment required for new production or improvements to existing production lines.
• Assist in the development of justifications for the purchase of manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with the installation and debugging of production equipment.
• Update and maintain visual and written work guidelines.
• Update and maintain manufacturing routings.
• Assist in the development of manufacturing infrastructure to integrate or deploy new manufacturing processes.
• Perform time studies and monitor or measure manufacturing processes to identify ways to reduce losses, decrease time requirements, or improve quality.
• Perform other manufacturing tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering Technology. Must have a good mechanical aptitude of general machinery.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop data-driven solutions in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in Solidworks or similar 3D modeling package.
• Experience with manufacturing data analysis.
• Experience in Excel is preferred.

Controls Engineer – Automation & Robotics (6 Openings)

Location: Elgin, IL (On-site)

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

Compensation: $95,000 – $150,000 (up to $160,000 for exceptional experience)

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits starting Day 1 (medical, dental, vision, 401k, stock programs, PTO, holidays)

About the Role

We are expanding our Automation Development team and are seeking Controls Engineers to support the design and build of highly advanced, custom automation and robotic equipment for autonomous vehicle production. This is a hands-on role focused on conceptual, in-house engineered systems—not repetitive builds or catalog automation.

Engineers in this group own projects end-to-end, from early concept and proof-of-principle through programming, debug, factory acceptance testing, and on-site integration. The current flagship project supports a next-generation autonomous vehicle platform, with the first production units already shipped.

This role is ideal for Controls Engineers coming from systems integrators or custom machine builders who enjoy variety, ownership, and technically challenging work.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and debug PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, servo, and machine vision systems
• Develop control architectures for custom automation and robotic equipment
• Review electrical schematics and contribute to hardware and network architecture
• Perform system bring-up, debugging, validation, and factory acceptance testing
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, assembly teams, and manufacturing
• Support equipment installation and integration at U.S. manufacturing facilities

Travel

• Typical travel averages 10–25% (historically fluctuates by project)
• Travel is limited to 4 U.S. manufacturing locations (California, Texas, Nevada)

Qualifications

• Experience in custom automation, robotics, or systems integration
• PLC programming experience ( Siemens preferred, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley also acceptable )
• Engineers proficient in Rockwell who are open to transitioning to Siemens are strongly encouraged to apply
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (WinCC, Ignition, FactoryTalk, or similar)
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Work on fully conceptual, in-house designs with protected intellectual property
• Exposure to cutting-edge autonomous vehicle and robotics technology
• Projects that most automation houses and integrators never get access to
• Strong compensation, Day-1 benefits, and long-term growth potential
• Collaborative engineering culture with high technical standards and visibility

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• Able to assemble a limited variety of parts involving few details
  
• Required to use light bench equipment, simple hand and power tools and assembly/test fixtures
  
• Able to perform simple adjustments
  
• Capable of interpreting routers, bill of materials, and portions of blueprints to build easy to medium assemblies
  
• Assist with other related duties as required or assigned
  

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• No previous experience
  
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
  
• Basic communication skills
  
• Requires ability to differentiate between colors on certain jobs in this classification
  
• Bona Fide Occupational Qualification: Visual acuity test and color vision screening will be performed after offer/acceptance of position. Hiring is contingent upon a passing score of 20/25 (in both eyes) and passing of the color screen
  

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• Hourly rate: $15.25 per hour
  
• Profit Sharing Bonus - OTTO believes that it's fair to share the profits that the employees help to make; profit sharing is distributed to employees twice a year. OTTO's profit sharing plan is paid at the discretion of the company and is not a guaranteed bonus or any part of a compensation plan.
  
• Vacation:five days after 30 days of employment and 80 hours at 1 year - vacation time is earned on the anniversary date.
  

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• HMO Plan
  
• Standard PPO Plan
  
• Enhanced PPO Plan
  
• High Deducible PPO Plan
  
• FSA, LFSA, and HSA
  

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• Base Plan
  
• Buy-Up Plan
  

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• Life/AD&D
  
• Voluntary Life/AD&D
  
• Short-Term Disability
  
• Long-Term Disability
  

Companies Overview: Peacock Colors Company (PCC) was founded in 1925 in Chicago, IL as a paint and ink company. For the last 50 years Peacock has manufactured colorants and additives for the plastic processing industry. Vortex Liquid Color Company (VLCC) was founded in 1996 in Sheboygan, WI and provides liquid color concentrates for many engineering and commodity polymers. We create color chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Poly Compounding specializes in toll compounding of heat and shear sensitive engineered plastics with technical know-how and decades of experience in developing customized compounding processes specific to the need of the application. All enterprise companies contribute to the success of our customers by providing them brilliant colors, long stable color life, specialty compounds and draw the attention of consumers. We are leaders in our field and work relentlessly to satisfy our customer needs.

Key Accounts Manager (KAM) Plastics Colors and Additives:

Summary:

Key Accounts Manager (KAM) Plastics Colors and Additives: is responsible for the growth of Peacock Color and Vortex Liquid Color product sales in the Americas. Focus on retaining and growing current customers, pipeline of new customer development and closure, forecasting, support customer orders, line scheduling and maintaining all customers within payment terms. Scout new potential customers in previously unknown industrial markets and/or new applications. Create, maintain, and close opportunity in the pipeline to drive above-market growth. Key successes factors include negotiating, project management, networking and ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships. Ability to communicate effectively with all employees as well all customers. Upholds and supports organizational goals and values. Ability to handle multiple activities and must be outgoing, self-driven, pleasant & very personable.

Key Responsibilities:

Key Account Development & Sales Management:

• Own the relationship and projects at core customers and find new opportunities for growth within the accounts. Improve PCC share via gaining competition share.
• Find new/new accounts and drive new business growth by gaining technical specification at customer in the Americas. Understand Customer CTQ’s and relate it back to technical team to develop product for commercial success.
• Balance short term and long-term business objective effectively: drive new business growth and building a strong target position for the future.
• Develop strong technical understanding of Color and liquid color products in traditional and new application area.
• Identify and assess the current customer base and prospects for selling additional PCC. This includes selling price, volume, and customer buying criteria, market/business dynamics and entry strategies.
• Relationships & customer satisfaction.
• Short-term & long-term forecasts.
• Manage complaints.
• Manage credit terms/account receivables.
• Proactively leverage relationships to obtain the Voice of Customers, understand & articulate value propositions, and monitor the competitive landscape.

Project Management:

• Utilize skills to map new business projects and application development (see below)
• Manage projects and developments through the development process and drive completion of milestones per established timelines.
• Strong problem-solving skills

Application Development:

• Utilize specific technical expertise to translate innovations and differentiated products to commercial success.
• Interact with Color development lab and manufacturing organizations to facilitate success by communicating unmet needs in new applications.
• Internal and external influencing skills
• Communicate product quality needs to Manufacturing and technical personnel.

Teamwork is critical due to the diversity of talents involved. Focus of the team on key deliverables and the value of the market dynamic are very important. Development of the capabilities of each direct report is important to the succession options for the company.

Core Competencies (A must have):

• Communication skills: Effectively respond to customer needs, demonstrate listening, questioning, clarifying and summarizing skills.
• Commercial/Negotiating Skills: Build consensus and agreement at customer organization and secure commitments.
• Business Decision Making: Financial acumen, cost and benefits, lean for past experience, problem solving and develop solutions.
• Strategic Thinking: Develop and execute business strategy, understand competitors-strength and weakness, understand and address the needs of multiple customers.
• Results Oriented: Proven commercial track record with sustained business results and topline growth, accountability for target follow up and closure. Ability to break complex problems into manageable task and direct necessary resources to meet and beat deadline.
• Passion for Excellence: Integrity and resilience a must. High level of collaboration, willing to accept constructive criticism/feedback, lead with example, exhibit and expect hard work, deep passion and breed success.

QUALIFYING & REQUIREMENTS:

• BS degree in business, science or engineering or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in sales and marketing in differentiated markets.
• Ability to interact with R&D and manufacturing to facilitate developments, complaint investigations etc.
• Business development, application development, project management, and pull-through marketing experience with proven track record.
• Background in the plastics industry, but not required.
• Proven ability to influence internal and external decision makers.
• Results oriented.
• Strong communication and sales skill.
• Strong team player.
• Comfortable and efficient with working independently.

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organization, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support production operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives within a CNC machining and equipment assembly environment. This role plays a key part in optimizing processes, improving efficiency, and supporting quality standards in a dynamic, team-oriented setting. The anticipated salary for this role is between $70,000-$100,000 a year.

Responsibilities:

• Support daily production activities for CNC machining centers and assembly operations

• Develop and optimize CNC programs, manufacturing routings, and assembly processes

• Design and improve tooling and fixtures to enhance production efficiency

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies (5S, Standard Work, DMAIC, etc.)

• Analyze manufacturing processes and implement cost reduction and productivity improvements

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and quality teams

• Assist with new product introductions, including process development and production readiness

• Coordinate and implement engineering changes across departments

• Evaluate product and process quality through testing methods and capability analysis

• Improve workflow, plant layout, and equipment utilization

• Maintain accurate process documentation and manufacturing data systems

• Provide guidance and training to technicians and production staff

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or related field) required

• Minimum 3 years of experience with CAD/CAM software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Mastercam, or similar)

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and process improvement

• Experience in CNC machining and/or equipment assembly environments preferred

• Project management experience with the ability to lead initiatives from concept through implementation

• Familiarity with ERP systems (JD Edwards or similar preferred)

• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools

• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental

• Life insurance

• 401(k) 100% match up to 5%

• LTD

• STD

• Paid vacation (3 weeks) and 11 paid holidays

Aegis is partnered with a growing precision sheet metal fabrication manufacturer in the Chicagoland area that supports OEM customers from prototype through full production. This company operates in a fast-paced job shop environment and prides itself on quality, accountability, and collaboration between engineering and production.

They are seeking a Quality Manager to lead plant-level quality systems and oversee a team of quality technicians.

Daily Responsibilities:

• Own and maintain ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• Lead internal, external, and customer audits
• Drive corrective actions (8D, 5 Why, CAPA)
• Manage customer quality communication and complaint resolution
• Oversee inspection processes including blueprint and GD&T interpretation
• Develop and track KPIs related to scrap, rework, and performance
• Mentor and lead a team of 5 quality inspectors
• Partner with production and engineering to resolve manufacturing issues

Requirements:

• 5+ years quality experience within precision sheet metal fabrication
• Strong ISO 9001:2015 experience
• Audit leadership experience
• Root cause analysis expertise
• Leadership experience managing direct reports
• Hands-on manufacturing presence

LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Category Manager – Corrugated Packaging to join their team. This is a high-impact procurement role for someone who thrives in a data-driven environment and enjoys owning category strategy, supplier relationships, and cost optimization initiatives at a national level. This opportunity is ideal for a procurement professional who has hands-on purchasing experience within corrugated boxes and packaging, is highly proficient in Excel, and is ready to step into a visible role supporting business-critical supply chain initiatives.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

• High visibility within the procurement and supply chain organization.
• Opportunity to influence national sourcing strategy within a stable, growing company.
• Autonomy to make meaningful business decisions while partnering with senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and execute domestic sourcing strategies for corrugated packaging categories, with full accountability for supplier performance, cost management, and continuity of supply.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships across multiple U.S. regions, ensuring compliance with service, quality, and commercial expectations.
• Lead sourcing initiatives including RFPs, negotiations, and contract execution to achieve measurable cost savings and value creation.
• Analyze spend data, market trends, and category intelligence to inform purchasing and sourcing decisions.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, logistics, and internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement efficiency, supplier optimization, and process standardization.
• Maintain accurate item setup, pricing, supplier assignments, and minimum order quantities across a large SKU portfolio.
• Support and mentor sourcing resources as applicable, fostering collaboration and accountability.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field.
• 4+ years of progressive experience in purchasing or procurement.
• Mandatory experience sourcing corrugated boxes / corrugated packaging.
• Strong proficiency in Excel, including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs.
• Proven ability to analyze spend data and translate insights into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Solid understanding of supply chain, distribution, and inventory management principles.
• Brings an established network within the corrugated packaging supplier community.
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and confident presenting data-driven recommendations.
• Strong communicator who can influence both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Motivated by ownership, accountability, and measurable impact.

Compensation Range: $100,000 - $120,000 + 15% Bonus

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 Category Managerlooking 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

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• Analyze rejected electronic assemblies using test equipment, simulators, and troubleshooting methods
  
• Perform board-level diagnostics and determine root causes of product failures
  
• Troubleshoot complex electronic issues and recommend corrective actions
  
• Identify vendor defects vs. process-related defects
  
• Document findings and create detailed failure analysis reports
  
• Record failure data and clearly explain diagnostic conclusions
  
• Work independently and adapt to changing operational conditions
  
• Provide support for factory operations, including occasional weekend work
  

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• Associate's Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology required
  
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
  
• 1-3 years of experience in electronics troubleshooting or analysis
  
• Strong electronic and mechanical troubleshooting skills
  

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• Signal Generators
  
• Spectrum Analyzers
  
• Oscilloscopes
  
• Power Meters
  
• Modulation / Audio Analyzers
  

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• RF knowledge
  
• Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics (preferred)
  
• Experience with 2-way subscriber products (preferred)
  

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• 100% onsite presence required
  
• Steel-toe boots mandatory
  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
  

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• Orientation begins at 6:30 AM
  
• Temporary badge will be provided
  
• Immediate start with contract running through end of the year
  
• 30-minute interview (Google Meet or onsite - candidate preference required)
  

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• Potential contract extension beyond the end of the year
  
• Exposure to advanced electronics troubleshooting tools and techniques
  
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment focused on continuous improvement
  

National Sales Manager

We are seeking a National Sales Manager to formulate and implement the sales strategy to drive the growth of Ebco's products. This position will be integral in establishing and implementing nationwide product sales strategies with our existing and prospective customers. This person will support sales activity of existing core products and identify new products and technical programs to catalyze profitable growth for Ebco at customer locations across North America.

Responsibilities:

• Hands-on management of all Regional Sales Managers (RSM) with a focus on visiting customers and reps.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the RSMs and the sales process for continuous growth.
• Research and identify new opportunities for growth and implement sales and marketing strategy.
• Top-tier organizational leadership to ensure employee participation, training, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for customer issues, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication
• Maintain and develop senior leadership relationships with key national and strategic accounts.
• Lead complex negotiations, contract reviews, and long-term agreements in partnership with legal, supply chain, and operations teams.
• Development and implementation of sales policies and procedures in partnership with the Regional Sales Team.
• Form product line strategy with supporting systems and processes to accumulate needed marketing information.
• Develop annual departmental goals, plans and budget.
• Manage commission policy, sales credits, performance assessment, and actions to achieve company sales objectives.
• Communicate with senior leadership on an as needed basis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering or related field, MBA preferred; equivalent industry experience may be considered
• 5+ years of sales management experience in B2B industrial sales to OEMs required
• Experience with technical business processes such as RFQ, PPAP, ECR
• Knowledge of JIT, logistics, and supply chain fundamentals
• Proficient with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, and MS Office
• Fundamental knowledge of manufacturing and global supply chain
• Technical proficiency and the ability to learn new products and solutions
• Willingness to work onsite in Elgin, IL and approximately 25-50% travel across North America

Purchasing Analyst

The Purchasing Analyst manages end-to-end procurement for products, components, and supplies, supporting cost savings, supplier performance, and supply chain efficiency. This role oversees purchasing activities including issuing purchase orders, negotiating pricing and contracts, and maintaining strong vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, pricing, and purchase orders
• Analyze spend data and market trends to identify savings and risks
• Conduct supplier evaluations and support negotiations
• Monitor inventory levels, delivery performance, and procurement KPIs
• Maintain supplier records, reports, and compliance
• Support continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or related field
• 3+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills
• Advanced Excel skills; ERP or procurement system experience preferred
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities
• Relevant certifications (CPSM, CSCP, CPP, APICS) a plus

Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000

Benefits:

• Bonus Offered
• Health, dental, and vision, life, short/long term disability insurance
• 401(k) offering
• Paid time off and holidays (80 hours PTO)
• Paid sick leave where applicable by state law.

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

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