Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Illinois

Launch your engineering career by solving real manufacturing challenges, developing as a leader, and experiencing two MacLean-Fogg manufacturing facilities.

The Manufacturing Management Program (MMP) is MacLean-Fogg's two-year rotational development program for early-career engineers who want more than a traditional entry-level engineering role.

Over two one-year rotations, you will work alongside experienced engineers, manufacturing teams, and leaders to improve processes, solve quality and cost challenges, and make an impact on the business. At the same time, you will build the leadership, communication, and business skills needed to grow your career at MacLean-Fogg.

Program at a Glance

• Salary: $75,000

• Program length: Two years with two one-year rotations

• Start date: July 2027

• Locations: Two MacLean-Fogg manufacturing facilities in the United States

• Relocation: Fully covered for both rotations

• First rotation location confirmed: Late April 2027

• Employment: Full-time

Important: MMP participants must be willing to relocate anywhere in the United States for both rotations. Your first location will not be confirmed until late April 2027.

What You Will Do

Your rotations are designed to give you meaningful engineering responsibility from the start. You will:

• Partner with engineers, operators, supervisors, and other team members to improve manufacturing processes and performance

• Analyze process, quality, and cost data and turn your findings into practical improvements

• Use firsthand observation and engineering analysis to identify problems and recommend solutions

• Lead a first-year project scoped with your supervisor and present your results to senior leaders

• Take on a larger second-year project aligned with your experience, development, and career goals

• Present your work and recommendations to leaders throughout the program

• Complete a capstone presentation at the end of your second year

Your projects may involve areas such as manufacturing engineering, process improvement, quality, cost reduction, continuous improvement, data analysis, and operational performance.

More Than a Rotational Engineering Job

MMP combines hands-on engineering experience with structured leadership development.

Throughout the program, you will:

• Complete leadership development alongside your day-to-day engineering work

• Build a mentoring relationship with an experienced employee at another MacLean-Fogg facility

• Connect with an MMP participant who is at least one year ahead of you

• Build relationships across multiple manufacturing facilities and functions

• Gain exposure to how engineering decisions affect operations, customers, cost, and the broader business

• Develop experience communicating recommendations to both manufacturing teams and senior leaders

By the end of the program, you will have spent two years solving real business problems while building a broader understanding of manufacturing, leadership, and MacLean-Fogg.

What Will Help You Succeed

MMP is designed for engineers who are curious, adaptable, and ready to take ownership.

Successful participants can:

• Solve problems when the answer is not obvious or the available information is incomplete

• Communicate effectively with people across the organization, from manufacturing employees to senior executives

• Build relationships and credibility when joining a new team or manufacturing facility

• Use data and firsthand observation to make sound recommendations

• Take ownership of projects from initial scope through results

• Understand how engineering decisions affect operations, customers, cost, and the broader business

• Adapt quickly to new environments, teams, and challenges

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering field

• Degree completed in 2026 or 2027

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Demonstrated leadership through an internship, student organization, project team, job, or similar experience

• Willingness to relocate anywhere in the United States for both one-year rotations

• Willingness to travel occasionally for orientation, program events, development activities, and facility visits

Preferred Qualifications

You do not need to check every box to be considered. Relevant experience may include:

• Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in a manufacturing or production environment

• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methods

• Experience with CAD, simulation, data analysis, or related engineering tools

• Coursework or project experience involving operations, supply chain, manufacturing systems, or engineering economics

What to Expect When You Apply

We want you to know what the process looks like from the beginning.

• Apply online for the Manufacturing Management Program

• Complete a short online assessment

• Meet the MMP team in a 45-minute conversation with the two program coordinators

• Review an engineering case study in advance and discuss your approach during your interview

• Meet senior leaders if selected as a finalist

• Receive a decision between January and April

Because MMP locations depend on business needs and available rotations, your first manufacturing facility assignment will be confirmed in late April 2027.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below represent the essential functions of the role and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Divide time between an office environment and the manufacturing floor

• Occasionally move throughout a manufacturing facility to observe equipment, processes, and work areas

• Occasionally lift and carry tools, samples, or parts weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or a lifting aid when appropriate

• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, and reach while observing or inspecting equipment and components

• Distinguish visual detail sufficient to review drawings, gauges, equipment, and measurement devices

• Respond to audible alarms, signals, and verbal direction in a high-noise manufacturing environment

• Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear, in designated production areas

• Use a computer for analysis, reporting, communication, and presentations for extended periods

Explore the Manufacturing Management Program

Want to see what MMP is actually like?

Explore MacLean-Fogg's manufacturing locations, learn more about the program's rotations, leadership development, and mentoring experience, and hear directly from current MMP participants.

• Explore our locations

• Learn more about MMP

Ready to build your engineering career while developing the skills to lead? Apply to the Manufacturing Management Program.

Pre-Employment Requirements

After a conditional offer, this position requires a pre-employment drug screen. Testing and employment decisions are administered consistent with applicable law.

About MacLean-Fogg

MacLean-Fogg is a fourth-generation, family-owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, we design and manufacture engineered components and solutions for automotive and industrial markets.

Our portfolio includes MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, OMCO, Mallard Manufacturing, and Threadstrong. Across our companies, we share a commitment to Integrity, People, Customers, and Stewardship while investing in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations

MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity employers. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply, complete an assessment, or participate in the hiring process, contact careers@macleanfogg.com.