Engineering Jobs in Riverwoods, IL

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

• This is a standalone position with no direct reports and no embedded EHS team
• Reports directly to Mike, Global Director of Quality
• Acts as the primary EHS point of contact for the site
• Leads daily morning safety meetings with Production Managers, Supervisors, and the Director of Operations
• Works cross-functionally with Operations, HR, and Leadership but operates with a high degree of autonomy
  
  

• Independent and self-directed role
• Minimal day-to-day oversight; success depends on ownership and initiative
• Expected to take the lead on investigations and decision-making
• Collaborative environment when proposing or implementing improvements
  
  

• Lead and manage incident and accident investigations independently
• Partner with HR on workers’ compensation claims and related documentation
• Facilitate and lead daily safety meetings
• Maintain and manage internal safety tracking tools and spreadsheets
• Ensure existing EHS processes and procedures are followed and sustained
• Serve as the on-call safety contact as needed (rare weekend involvement)
  
  

• Champion and promote a strong safety-first culture across the site
• Identify hazards and implement preventative measures
• Develop, update, or write new safety practices and procedures as needed
• Drive safety awareness through training, communication, and leadership presence
• Collaborate with operations and leadership on safety improvements and initiatives
  
  

• Combination of proactive and reactive work
• Fast-paced manufacturing/production environment
• Mix of plant floor presence and administrative work
• High visibility role with frequent interaction across departments
• Workload requires strong prioritization and comfort managing multiple processes
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Safety, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of progressive EHS experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Proven experience leading investigations independently
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA and applicable safety regulations
• Ability to influence without authority and work effectively in a standalone role
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
  
  

• Comfortable working independently with minimal oversight
• Confident decision-maker who takes ownership of safety outcomes
• Able to balance immediate reactive needs with long-term proactive improvements
• Respected presence on the production floor
• Passionate about building and sustaining a strong safety culture in a food manufacturing setting
  
  

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

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

Automation Technician II

Location: Onsite; Buffalo Grove, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time / Direct Hire

Pay: $26–28/hour

12-hour Shift rotation:

• 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM, rotating schedule

• 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM, rotating nights (10% shift differential)

Position Overview

We are seeking Maintenance Technicians with hands-on experience supporting automated manufacturing, robotics, or warehouse automation environments. This role is critical to maintaining continuous system operation and minimizing downtime across highly automated equipment and production systems.

The ideal candidate is comfortable troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems, working with PLC-controlled equipment, and performing both reactive and preventive maintenance in a fast-paced, high-automation setting.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Maintain continuous operation of automated, robotic, and material handling systems by adjusting, repairing, replacing, or modifying components
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems and return equipment to service quickly and safely
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on robotic systems and process support equipment
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical diagrams, and complex automated system drawings
• Work with PLC-controlled equipment and assist in automation system diagnostics
• Identify machine malfunctions, isolate root causes, and implement cost-effective repairs
• Perform equipment calibrations, re-qualifications, and system validations per schedule
• Assist engineers and automation teams with equipment installation, removal, and system qualification
• Support corrective action reports and process improvement initiatives
• Disassemble equipment, inspect components for defects, and repair or replace parts as needed
• Support both hardware and, at higher levels, limited software maintenance activities

Required Experience and Skills

• Background in automated manufacturing, robotics, material handling systems, or automated warehouse environments
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Experience with PLC-controlled equipment
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Preventive and corrective maintenance experience in high-volume or automated settings
• Solid computer and documentation skills

Technical Experience Preferred

• Automation, robotics, or conveyor/material handling systems
• Electronic assembly and troubleshooting (schematics, PCB loading, mechanical assembly)
• Cable and harness work (crimping, soldering, connector assembly, cable prep)
• Testing equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and cable/harness testers
• Automated machine operations (surface mount, component insertion, wave soldering)
• Mechanical and electrical tools including alignment tools, measuring tools, taps & dies, and power/air tools

The Construction Superintendent takes part in leading a team of dedicated Foreman and Laborers through the entire project life-cycle. As the Construction Superintendent, you will be involved in pre-construction planning through final completion by planning, directing, and participating in the field operations to ensure projects are completed to company and client standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Adhere to and uphold all Company safety practices, procedures and policies.
• Direct team activities, establishing task priorities, labor hour management, scheduling and tracking work assignments, providing guidance, and ensuring the availability of resources.
• Assist in coordination of landscape construction activities to meet or exceed both project and company profitability goals.
• Motivate and supervise multiple diversified crews on a daily basis.
• Responsible to drive daily in a company vehicle with or without passengers.
• Working knowledge of Aspire.
• Responsible for submitting accurate and timely paperwork, time records, work orders, reports, and other documents that are required.
• Inspect onsite work activities of company and subcontractor crews to ensure work is being performed correctly and to company standards.
• Correspond with clients, salespersons, construction manager, project manager, foreman, purchasing team, etc. on material status and production planning with a professional working relationship.
• Ability to communicate with customers to ensure constant customer satisfaction.
• Plan for and procure special equipment as needed on a site-by-site basis.
• Review and approve time records, work orders, and change orders in coordination with appropriate departments.
• Assist in the recruiting and selecting of qualified candidates for Foreman, Driver, and Laborer positions. Consider performance appraisals for Foreman, Driver, and Laborer positions in conjunction with construction manager and human resources department.
• Coordinate with Director of Construction Operations and Safety Manager to achieve safety goals by training employees and promoting a safe and positive work environment at all times.
• Create, implement and track rewards programs for construction field employees, if applicable.
• Be willing to work physically alongside Foreman and Laborers as needed.
• Utilize appropriate technologies to facilitate information management and record keeping.
• Communicate and resolve needs, issues, safety concerns and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain good communication, high safety standards, and positive relations with coworkers, clients and the public.
• Represent the Company in a positive manner befitting our brand and image.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include safety, planning, assigning, and directing work, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years or more of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of construction building techniques, including but not limited to: hardscapes, irrigation, fencing, bluff development, grading, drainage, planting, lighting, and boulder work. Must have the ability to read and interpret; engineering, structural, grading, drainage, landscape and general construction drawings. General knowledge of village codes and permitting.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the safety issues, regulations, and procedures utilized in public and private works activities.
• Experience in Aspire is preferred.
• Candidates must have a valid local driver’s license and maintain a good driving record
• Required to pass a post-offer DOT medical physical and drug screen, and (ongoing) periodic DOT physical and drug screen according to DOT guidelines.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds, repetitively and frequently, and perform physical field work.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, managers, co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Must be able to communicate in English, including: read, write, and with use of computers and phones.

PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES:

• Employee shall also perform other incidental and related duties as required and assigned or implied from the foregoing, consistent with the background, training and qualifications of Employee or may be reasonably delegated as being in the best interests of the Company.
• The Employee shall devote full time to their employment and expend best efforts on behalf of Company.
• Employee further agrees to abide by all Company policies and decisions now or hereinafter existing.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS:

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, twist, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• Work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing: walking over rough, uneven surfaces; and recurring bending, crouching, stooping and reaching; and frequent lifting of moderately heavy items.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Work requires average physical agility and dexterity.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
• Work is performed primarily out-of-doors involving moderate risks, discomfort, or unpleasantness such as a moderate level of noise; dust, grease or mud; moving vehicles or machines; cold, hot and/or wet weather.
• Normal safety precautions are required; and the incumbent may wear some protective clothing and equipment such as rain and snow gear, boots, protective eyewear and gloves.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• 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.

We’re hiring an Assistant Project Manager to join our growing design-build construction team in Chicagoland.

This role will report directly to the COO and support projects from preconstruction through closeout. You’ll work closely with leadership, field teams, and design partners to help deliver high-quality commercial and residential projects.

What you’ll do:

• Assist with scheduling, budgeting, and cost tracking

• Coordinate subcontractors and project documentation (RFIs, submittals, etc.)

• Support procurement and project closeout

• Participate in client and internal project meetings

• Help ensure projects stay on schedule and aligned with design intent

What we’re looking for:

• 1–4 years of construction or project coordination experience

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (preferred)

• Strong organization and communication skills

• Interest in growing into a Project Manager role

Why join us:

• Direct exposure to executive leadership

• Design-forward, collaborative environment

• Opportunity for career growth

• Competitive pay and benefits

Compensation:

• 85-95K Base
• Health, Vision, Dental Benefits
• 401K Match
• Discretionary Bonus
• Unlimited PTO

Company Description

W.B. Olson, Inc. is a full-service construction management/general contracting company located in Northbrook, Illinois. We focus on the vision of our clients, the creativity of our architects, and the skill of our staff to set our projects apart. Our work transforms construction projects into meaningful spaces. At W.B. Olson, we emphasize that our business is all about people.

Job Description

This is a full-time in office position for a Project Manager located in Northbrook, IL. The Project Manager will handle day-to-day tasks such as coordinating projects, managing construction activities, budgeting, and ensuring that all project goals are met. The role requires overseeing and directing construction projects from conception to completion and collaborating with architects and clients to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.

This is a great opportunity for an individual who wants to join a strong, successful and highly respected team. The candidate must have a strong work ethic, tremendous enthusiasm and a sincere commitment to client satisfaction.

To find out more information about our company, please visit our website at Coordination and Construction Project Management skills

What We Offer

At W. B. Olson we value each of our employees and care about their wellbeing. We strive to provide best-in-class benefits packages.

Our competitive compensation and benefit package includes:

• Salary range $120,00-160,000
• Medical (BCBS), Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Medical and Child Care Reimbursement Plan
• Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with Company Match
• Performance Bonuses
• Professional Training
• Fitness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

All candidates must provide a resume.

We are not interested in receiving unsolicited offers from recruiting firms

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.