Engineering Jobs in Wauconda, IL

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.

Senior Quality Engineer

Location: Near Barrington, IL

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $90,000–$105,000/year

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Match, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, PTO, Paid Holidays

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a growing manufacturing organization to hire a Senior Quality Engineer to support quality systems, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives across a diverse set of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, robotics, and industrial equipment.

This is a high-impact role for someone who enjoys working cross-functionally, driving quality improvements, and solving complex manufacturing challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement and quality-focused projects across manufacturing operations
• Apply statistical analysis to evaluate production data and drive process improvements
• Partner with internal teams and customers to resolve quality concerns, complaints, and non-conformances
• Drive corrective actions from root cause through implementation and validation
• Support inspection and quality teams with investigations and material disposition
• Conduct internal, customer, and supplier audits as needed
• Utilize tools such as SPC, gage R&R, process capability, regression, and ANOVA to improve manufacturing performance
• Facilitate structured problem-solving using 5-Why, fishbone diagrams, and other methodologies

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 5–8+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment
• Experience working with quality standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 13485, and/or AS9100
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and QMS processes
• Proven experience with corrective actions, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Proficiency with statistical analysis tools and data-driven decision making
• Experience conducting internal QMS audits
• Background in automotive, aerospace, or medical manufacturing preferred
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and with external customers

Job Title: Tool Room Manager

Location: Barrington, IL

Salary: $105,000-$128,000

LHH Recruitment Solutions is currently seeking a Tool Room Manager to join our client's organization in the Barrington, IL area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage daily operations of the tool room, ensuring efficient support of manufacturing and production needs.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate tooling workloads, personnel, and resources to meet production schedules and delivery commitments.
• Track and analyze tooling costs, labor efficiency, and time spent to support continuous improvement and cost control.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for tooling, dies, molds, and tool room equipment to ensure reliability and uptime.
• Recommend and implement improvements to tooling processes, workflows, and equipment to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety.
• Support new product introductions by assigning tooling work, monitoring progress, and resolving start‑up issues.
• Lead and support lean manufacturing initiatives, including 5S and continuous improvement activities within the tool room.
• Manage inventory and stock control of tooling, components, and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems, safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Supervise, coach, and develop tool room staff, including performance management and workforce planning.

Key Qualifications:

• Experience managing a tool room or similar technical manufacturing function in a production environment.
• Strong background in tool and die, machining, stamping, molding, or related manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising skilled trades or technical teams.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices for dies, molds, and tooling equipment.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, including 5S and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Working knowledge of inventory control, cost tracking, and production scheduling.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Experience with quality systems and standards such as ISO or IATF preferred.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Technical education, journeyman training, or a degree in engineering or a related field preferred.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 2 Weeks PTO (negotiable) & Paid sick leave where applicable by state law
• 401(k)
• HSA and FSA
• Life and AD&D
• STD and LTD
• Norton LifeLock

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Barrington, IL 60010

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Compensation: $115k-130k

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO, Holiday Pay, Retirement, Life Insurance, and many more….

Overview: Our client is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for a highly visible role that is designed to evolve into a true subject matter expert position, with clear leadership potential over time. This is an opportunity to own complex manufacturing processes end-to-end, influence technical direction, and become a go-to resource across engineering and operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a technical authority for assigned manufacturing processes and product lines
• Lead manufacturing process design, optimization, and validation for precision metal components
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives (yield, cycle time, scrap, cost)
• Partner cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Quality, and Operations on new product introductions
• Develop and improve tooling, fixturing, work instructions, and standard processes
• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing and quality issues using data-driven root cause analysis
• Support capacity planning, capital equipment justification, and implementation
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians; contribute to long-term technical strategy
• Gradually take on informal and formal leadership responsibilities as the role matures

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or similar)
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in precision manufacturing environments
• Strong background in metal forming, stamping, springs, or closely related processes preferred
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and root cause analysis
• Ability to operate as both a hands-on problem solver and strategic technical resource
• Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally

Responsible for coordinating all activities necessary to complete technical service requests within an agreed upon timeline. This includes material testing, extrusion and problem solving.

Requirements

• Able to operate and interpret data with majority of the material characterizations tools such as DSC, rheometer, TGA, DMA, Tensile tester, hardness tester, GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, optical , SEM, etc.
• No restriction in weight lifting of 50lb or so if needed when working in the extrusion lab for making pellets film and tubing.
• Execute protocols and write reports following procedures.
• BS 2-3+ years, MS or PhD 0+years in material science or engineering , chemical engineering, or equivalent. Experienced in Working in medical industries is preferred.

Supply Chain Planning Manager

Ref No: 1491

Location: Vernon Hills, IL

Company Description:

We’ve partnered with a growing, design-driven consumer products manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. With a diverse portfolio of premium brands and a commitment to craftsmanship and operational excellence, the company continues to invest in expanding its U.S. manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.

The newly added Supply Chain Planning Manager is a highly-visible, hands-on role to align demand forecasts with production execution to improve schedule attainment, fill rates and order fulfillment.

Position Description:

• Design, implement and run the supply planning, production scheduling, and materials procurement processes to support manufacturing operations.
• Translate demand forecasts into executable supply plans across multiple planning horizons.
• Develop production schedules that align with manufacturing capacity and operational constraints.
• Ensure raw materials and components are available to support production commitments.
• Balance production output and finished goods inventory to support seasonal demand and service levels.
• Optimize production sequencing and lot sizing to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Monitor schedule attainment and production performance, identifying and addressing potential risks.
• Manage supplier commitments, track shortages, and expedite materials as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier performance, reduce costs, and increase supply reliability.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve planning processes, operational visibility, and supply chain efficiency.

Background Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5–8 years of experience in materials management, supply planning, production planning, or procurement within a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate closely with manufacturing and cross-functional teams.

Miscellaneous:

• Compensation: $100,000 – $115,000 + bonus.

LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Supply Chain Manager – Replenishment & Customer Inventory Strategy to join their team. This is a high‑impact leadership role for someone who thrives in growth environments, enjoys building proactive inventory strategies, and wants to be part of a business where opportunity, visibility, and advancement are real. This role is ideal for a hands‑on, forward‑thinking supply chain leader who is energized by improving service levels, reducing shortages, and developing talent—while navigating the realities of rapid organizational growth.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

• Significant growth and career progression potential as the organization continues to expand.
• High visibility role with direct customer interaction and leadership impact.
• Opportunity to shape inventory strategy, improve service levels, and leave a lasting operational footprint.
• Collaborative environment that values initiative, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and lead replenishment‑driven inventory management, ensuring inventory aligns with customer forecasts and demand signals.
• Partner directly with customers to understand forecasts, consumption patterns, and service expectations—shifting the organization from reactive to proactive inventory management.
• Address ongoing challenges such as long lead times, inventory shortages, and service disruptions, driving continuous improvement and better customer outcomes.
• Lead and mentor a small team of supply chain professionals.
• Develop and manage inventory strategies that ensure the right product is available at the right time, balancing service levels, cost, and working capital.
• Leverage advanced Excel skills to analyze inventory data, build reporting tools, support forecasting conversations, and drive decision‑making.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal teams to align inventory policies, processes, and execution.
• Support and participate in customer meetings, both virtual and onsite, as needed.
• Travel domestically approximately 10% to customer locations or internal meetings.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• Proven experience in replenishment inventory management within a supply chain, distribution, or customer‑focused environment.
• Strong background working directly with customers to manage inventory against forecasts and demand.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, particularly in environments undergoing change or transformation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, reporting, and inventory modeling).
• A self‑starter and go‑getter mindset—someone who wants to be best‑in‑class while remaining flexible as priorities evolve.
• Comfortable operating in a high‑growth, fast‑changing organization where processes are being built, refined, and improved.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external customers.

Compensation Range: $85,000 - $110,000

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

If you are a passionate Supply Chain 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

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

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