Equipment Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Equipment Engineer jobs in Illinois are actively in demand, with openings concentrated in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, medical device development, and industrial automation across entry-level through senior roles. Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria are the top hiring metros, where companies like Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, and Motorola Solutions have deep, established footprints. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois are process equipment engineering, validation engineering for regulated manufacturing environments, and automation systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route.
Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization.
Job Summary:
As an Equipment Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful installation, optimization, and maintenance of advanced manufacturing equipment for battery production. This role requires strong technical expertise in automation and process engineering, hands-on problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a bilingual (English & Chinese) environment. You will work closely with vendors, production teams, and technical experts to drive efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement in our high-tech production lines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the installation, commissioning, and validation of equipment used in electrode manufacturing, coating, calendaring, stacking/winding, electrolyte injection, sealing, formation, and packaging.
- Ensure all equipment meets process specifications, operational requirements, and safety standards.
- Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during installation.
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum production efficiency.
- Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for equipment failures and implement corrective actions to improve reliability.
- Provide on-site and remote support for emergency repairs, working closely with cross-functional teams.
- Drive automation enhancements and technical upgrades to increase throughput and reduce operational costs.
- Analyze equipment performance data, fine-tune parameters, and optimize system settings to improve yield, efficiency, and stability.
- Identify and implement best practices in predictive maintenance and process control.
- Provide hands-on technical support to the production and maintenance teams, ensuring proper operation and troubleshooting of complex machinery.
- Develop and lead training sessions to upskill operators and technicians on equipment usage, safety protocols, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Liaise with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and engineering teams to address design modifications and performance improvements.
- Work closely with process engineers, quality teams, and production managers to align equipment performance with manufacturing goals.
- Ensure all equipment and processes comply with industry standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO9001, IATF16949).
- Actively participate in EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) initiatives, ensuring safe and compliant equipment operation.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures for high-voltage, high-temperature, and chemical-handling processes.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, with hands-on exposure to automated production equipment.
- Proven expertise in installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial machinery.
- Strong knowledge of PLC, HMI, sensors, servo systems, and industrial automation.
- Experience with troubleshooting control systems, mechanical components, and electrical systems.
- Proficiency in CAD software for equipment design review and modification.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization techniques is a plus.
Other Requirements
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to equipment reliability.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-functional communication abilities.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for equipment support at supplier and production sites.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-tech manufacturing environment while managing multiple projects.
Core Competencies:
- Technical Expertise: Proficient in industrial automation, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and manufacturing equipment.
- Problem-Solving & RCA: Strong troubleshooting skills with experience in root cause analysis and process optimization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Bilingual (English & Chinese) with the ability to work across engineering, production, and supplier teams.
- Continuous Improvement: Skilled in automation upgrades, efficiency optimization, and cost reduction initiatives.
- Safety & Compliance: Knowledge of ISO9001, IATF16949, and EHS regulations to ensure safe and compliant operations.
- Equipment Maintenance & Reliability: Experience in preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance strategies.
- Adaptability & Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Global Mindset & Travel: Willing to travel domestically and internationally for equipment installations and vendor coordination.
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $80k - $120k + 15% bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.
We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.
At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
See All 10 Equipment Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Equipment Engineer JobsEquipment Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Equipment Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Chemicals & Materials
- Electronics & Hardware
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in equipment engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing or process equipment installation, qualification, and maintenance
- Familiarity with IQ, OQ, and PQ validation protocols, especially for FDA-regulated Illinois facilities
- Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks for equipment layout and documentation
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies used across Illinois plants
- Strong technical documentation skills for writing SOPs, equipment specifications, and deviation reports
Equipment Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a equipment engineer in Illinois?
Most equipment engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Illinois does not require a state-issued professional engineer license for most equipment engineer positions in manufacturing or industry, though earning a Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation strengthens long-term career prospects. Employers in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and medical devices prioritize candidates with hands-on lab or plant experience alongside their degree.
Which companies hire equipment engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring equipment engineers in Illinois right now include Gotion, North American Lighting, and RWE, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's strong base of pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device firms, and heavy industrial companies means consistent demand for equipment engineers across both the Chicago metro and downstate manufacturing corridors.
Which Illinois cities have the most equipment engineer jobs?
Manteno, Chicago, and Flora have the most equipment engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago and its surrounding suburbs drive the largest share of demand through the region's dense concentration of pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and industrial automation firms, while Rockford and Peoria reflect strong activity from Caterpillar's headquarters and the region's well-established heavy machinery and aerospace supply chain.
Are there remote equipment engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Equipment engineering is fundamentally hands-on work tied to physical machinery, production lines, and on-site validation activities, which limits remote options significantly. About 33% of equipment engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to involve documentation review, project coordination, or supplier qualification tasks that can be handled off-site.
How can I get hired as a equipment engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship with one of Illinois's major manufacturers, such as Abbott, Baxter International, or Caterpillar, which run structured programs for engineering students and new graduates. Titles like manufacturing engineer associate, process technician, or equipment maintenance engineer are common entry points that transition into full equipment engineer roles. Building a portfolio of validation documentation, CAD drawings, or lab project work and earning an Engineer-in-Training designation through Illinois strengthens a candidate's profile considerably.
Where can I find and apply to equipment engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to equipment engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly without creating a profile or signing up first.
See All 10 Equipment Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Equipment Engineer Jobs