Engineering Jobs in Rockton Illinois

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs a variety of engineering assignments in developing and implementing production/processing methods and controls to meet quality standards in the most cost-efficient manner.

Troubleshoot manufacturing issues resolving tooling and production process problems while optimizing efficiency and eliminating downtime.

Evaluates process flow and plant layout recommending and implementing improvements and/or modifications in sequence of operations and equipment utilization in order to improve thru-put, reduce labor/manufacturing costs and improve safety.

Develops costs for test production data; prepares technical analysis, recommends production methods and processes required to meet design objectives.

Reviews proposals of outside vendors regarding the purchase of new or modernized production/processing equipment and monitors equipment upgrades and improvements.

Continuously monitors operations to ensure compliance with approved methods and quality standards.

Coordinates and develops manufacturing schedules for projects.

Develops the PFMEA’s control plans and schedules.

Performs line validation and trial run management.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Strong technical and analytical ability.

Project management and organizational skills preferred.

Manufacturing experience in lean and cell manufacturing, process improvement, and equipment development, equipment buy offs, direct equipment installations, daily support, and debug.

Experience working with customers and sales preferred.

Ability to work with and communicate at all levels of manufacturing environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing environment as a mechanical or manufacturing engineer role

Preferred

A minimum of five (5) years of experience in tool and die design.

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.

Primarily sedentary work involving prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.

Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, mouse use, and handling documents.

Visual acuity required to read computer screens, printed materials, and digital devices.

Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching within the office environment.

Occasional lifting or carrying of light items such as files, office supplies, or a laptop (typically up to 10–20 pounds).

Regular communication through speaking and hearing in person, by phone, and during virtual meetings.

Quest Global is an organization at the forefront of innovation and one of the world's fastest growing engineering services firms with deep domain knowledge and recognized expertise in the top OEMs across seven industries. We are a twenty-five-year-old company on a journey to becoming a centenary one, driven by aspiration, hunger and humility. We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible, possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we're eager to hear from you.

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills:

What You Will Do:

• Provide support for managing the transition of products from development to production. The products would include air turbine starters, gearboxes, and blowers.
• Function as the Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead for the “Produce to Deliver” phase of programs, driving actions and setting priorities for the team in order to meet customer delivery milestones.
• Collaborating with cross-functional organizations, including engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers, to ensure operational readiness
• Identify supply chain and operations risks and drive risk mitigation plans.
• Help drive industrial recoveries as needed in the supply chain, including but not limited to finding alternate sources, driving rate readiness reviews with critical suppliers, etc.
• Ensure all quality-related items for products are complete and documented to meet established quality standards.
• Create and manage the Industrial Plan for development programs.
• This includes tracking schedules and progress for vendors and customer plant sites to ensure flawless on-time delivery.
• Also includes regular updates to management.

What You Will Bring:

• BA or BS technical degree with 2-3 years' experience preferred
• AS or comparable 2-year degree with 5-8 years’ experience with new product introduction
• SAP experience preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects from start to finish.
• Excellent communication skills are essential for planning requirements, managing schedules, and keeping cross-functional partners informed

Pay Range: $74,000 - $78,000 a year

Compensation decisions are made based on factors including experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors, in accordance with our internal pay structure. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability

Work Requirements: This role is considered an on-site position located in Rockford, IL.

• You must be able to commute to and from the location with your own transportation arrangements to meet the required working hours.
• Shop floor environment, which may include but not limited to extensive walking, and ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Travel requirements: Due to the nature of the work, 0% of travel is required.

Citizenship requirement: Due to the nature of the work, U.S. citizenship is required.

Manufacturing Technical Specialist

Location: Rockford, IL

Hire Type: Contract (12 months with strong potential for conversion)

Pay Range: $27–$40/hour (based on experience)

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a leading aerospace manufacturer in the Rockford area to hire a Manufacturing Technical Specialist. This role supports production operations in a high-quality, precision manufacturing environment and is ideal for someone with strong troubleshooting skills, mechanical aptitude, and hands-on manufacturing experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily production operations by executing and maintaining manufacturing processes
• Troubleshoot production and quality issues and assist with implementing corrective actions
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications
• Work closely with production teams to resolve operational challenges and improve efficiency
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives and updates to standardized work procedures
• Support Lean manufacturing practices and process improvement efforts
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and quality standards

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, production support, or a technical operations role
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, precision assembly, or production testing
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints (GD&T preferred)
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or production-related issues
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience working in a regulated environment (ISO 9001 or similar) is a plus

Embedded Software Engineer

Position: Fulltime

Location: Rockford, Illinois

Duration: Long term

Job description:

Hands on experience with DO-178B/C, DO-330.

Hands on experience with programming in C.

Hands on Experience in programming in C | Python | shell script

Hands on Experience in embedded software development adhering to aerospace standards DO178B/C, Reviews and Testing.

• Knowledge on MATLAB and related tool

• Experience in preparing planning documents and Requirement analysis

• Experience in using IDE: Visual Studio Code | Microsoft Visual Studio

• Expertise in using IBM DOORS | Siemens Polarion

• Responsible for understanding the requirements and implementation.

• Responsible for updating traceability matrix between requirements and implementation.

• Involve in Change Request analysis, Correction and Verification Activities.

• Coordinating with cross functional teams for Development and Verification activities.

• Conduct high-level requirements reviews, software design reviews and code reviews using Polarian.

• Responsible for performing Design Review and updating the Design.

• Verify the disposition of software problem reports

• Responsible for understanding the CR Development and Verification Activities.

• Configuration management experience using SVN

Qualifications/Experience Needed:

Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).

Knowledge of aircraft or electronic systems.

Effective oral/written communication skills (including technical writing).

• Hands on Experience in programming in Embedded C , Python.

Responsible for the design, development, and testing of electrical control systems for sheet metal fabrication machinery. This role ensures the full-function operation of equipment by managing electrical schematics and software updates for the company's software platform.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Draw/design electrical schematics.
• Responsible for software updates on our machine’s controls.
• Assist and support the Service Department with software problems.
• Update and write documentation related to the electrical and software side of our machines.
• Help with the drafting of our machine’s manuals.
• Development of little software/electrical projects.
• Project Development: Lead small-scale electrical and software development projects to enhance machine functionality or improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Electrical Design & Schematics: Create, develop, and update detailed electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for new and existing machinery.
• Engineering Change Notices (ECN): Manage the ECN process for electrical components and software, documenting all modifications and ensuring version control across machine lines.
• Software Management: Oversee software updates for machine controls, ensuring the CNC system operates with the latest feature.
• Technical Service Support: Assist the Service Department in diagnosing and resolving complex software and electrical issues.
• Documentation & Manuals: Author and maintain technical documentation related to electrical specifications and software guides; contribute to the drafting and updating of machine operation manuals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Control Engineering or Mechatronics Program
• Experience/Skills: Highly detailed and organized

Position Summary: Mon-Friday 8a-5p

The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of product quality, inspection, documentation, and compliance within our manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on role requiring extensive involvement in daily inspection activities, PPAP documentation, gage management, corrective actions, and calibration systems. The ideal candidate has experience in fastener or screw manufacturing and understands the unique requirements of cold heading, secondary operations, and customer-specific standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Control & Inspection

• Perform and oversee hands-on dimensional and visual inspections using micrometers, calipers, ring gages, pin gages, optical comparators, and other measurement tools.
• Maintain inspection records, lot traceability, and required documentation.
• Train and guide operators on basic inspection methods and quality expectations.

Quality Management System

• Lead corrective action processes (8D, root cause analysis, containment, verification).
• Maintain and improve quality procedures, work instructions, and internal audit processes.
• Manage customer complaints, non-conformances, and internal quality alerts.

PPAP & Documentation

• Prepare and submit PPAP packages including FMEAs, control plans, process flows, capability data, and submission documentation.
• Work directly with customers on quality requirements, approvals, and ongoing performance metrics.

Gage & Calibration Management

• Oversee all gage calibration activities and maintain calibration records.
• Maintain gage R&R studies and ensure appropriate measurement controls.
• Manage gage inventory, replacement schedules, and certification tracking.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with production, engineering, and shipping to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Lead quality-related meetings and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support training and development of inspection staff and operators.

Requirements:

• Experience in fastener, screw, or precision component manufacturing (REQUIRED).
• Strong hands-on inspection skills and familiarity with common measurement tools.
• Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, control plans, and capability studies.
• Experience with gage calibration management and gage R&R.
• Ability to lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• No degree required; relevant experience in fastener manufacturing is essential.

What We Offer:

• Competitive hourly pay:
• Stable Monday–Friday schedule
• Small-team environment where your impact is seen daily
• Opportunity to modernize quality processes and lead change
• Long-term growth potential as the company expands

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Pilot Plant Technologist to support Kerry’s drying optimization initiatives, with a strong focus on spray drying. This role will collaborate across RD&A, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to enhance process performance, support innovation, and ensure product quality. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food science and technology, with a strong ability to operate complex equipment and contribute to process development.

Key responsibilities

• Drying Process Support
• Assist in pilot plant production runs focused on drying and related processes.
• Follow standardized procedures and best practices.
• Weigh ingredients and prepare materials for pilot runs.
• Submit and support analytical testing requests.
• Process Development & Equipment Training
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Support training efforts for pilot plant equipment.
• Facilities & Equipment Support
• Collaborate with scientists, contractors, and facilities teams.
• Assist with troubleshooting, validation testing, and equipment commissioning.
• Communicate updates and findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Pilot Plant Organization
• Maintain inventory of consumables and materials.
• Support room owner in maintaining a clean and organized space.
• Specialized Equipment Operation
• Learn and operate lab equipment such as Brookfield viscometer, pH probe, and homogenizer.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field preferred; experience in chemicals, flavors, or food products is a plus.
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written.
• Hands-on experience with complex equipment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to taste and smell chemicals, flavors, and food products.

The pay range for this position is 41,446.00 - 67,209.00 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31st, 2025.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal ( ).

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

ZimZee Recruiting is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to support advanced machine tool manufacturing operations in Rockford, IL. This role works closely with engineering, machining, and production teams to ensure components are manufactured with optimal cost, quality, safety, and schedule performance.

Skills and Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, machining, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of CNC/NC machining processes and programming fundamentals
• Understanding of G-code and M-code, cutting tool selection, feeds and speeds, and machining strategies
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and technical documentation
• Experience analyzing manufacturing processes and implementing workflow improvements
• Knowledge of inspection and gauging methods used to verify dimensional accuracy and part quality
• Experience with CAD/CAM systems such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD
• Familiarity with NC program simulation and validation tools such as Vericut

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in manufacturing design reviews to improve manufacturability, production efficiency, and product quality
• Develop machining strategies, process plans, and setup documentation for complex components
• Create, modify, and validate NC programs using CAD/CAM software and simulation tools
• Design and develop tooling and fixtures to support efficient and repeatable machining operations
• Analyze manufacturing process flows and implement improvements to increase productivity and reduce cost