Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in automotive, aerospace, food and beverage processing, and heavy industrial manufacturing, with openings at every level from entry-level process technician roles through senior and principal engineers. The busiest hiring markets are Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria, where established employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Boeing have long-running engineering operations. Process improvement, lean manufacturing, and quality systems are the specialties Illinois employers request most consistently. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 17+ Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs
Ready to engineer smoother builds, cleaner welds, and faster changeovers?
If you thrive where heavy fabrication meets precision process design, Arctic Snow and Ice wants you to set the standard for how our products are made.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement end-to-end manufacturing processes that are efficient, cost-effective, and high quality.
- Create tooling and fixtures that drive repeatability and safety.
- Develop, initiate, and manage projects through all phases; partner with Project Managers to allocate and track resources.
- Lead welding processes for manual MIG and robotic cells—design, optimize, and sustain for consistent quality.
- Author and maintain WPS and PQR documentation in compliance with AWS/ASME.
- Program plasma, laser, and press brake equipment for reliable throughput.
- Introduce new processes and equipment; organize parts and build product manuals for smooth launches.
- Run root-cause investigations for weld defects and equipment failures; implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with external operations and Quality to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Find and deliver cost reductions without sacrificing quality.
- Use time-and-motion studies to eliminate waste and improve flow.
- Train production and maintenance teams to elevate capability and uptime.
- Oversee quality for incoming materials and outgoing products.
What You Bring
- CAD (SolidWorks), project management, and statistical analysis proficiency.
- ERP experience required—Epicor a plus.
- BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Strong grasp of manufacturing systems; deep knowledge of weld metallurgy, processes, and equipment.
- Analytical problem-solver with excellent communication, leadership, and attention to detail.
- Independent operator who can juggle multiple projects.
Minimum Requirements
- CAD experience required
- ERP software experience
- 5–10 years in heavy manufacturing
- Engineering process control and PLM experience
Benefits & Perks
- 401(k) with company match
- Medical, dental, vision
- Life and disability insurance
- PTO
Bonus Points If You’re Comfortable With
- Quality inspection and QC data analysis
- Electrical schematics and troubleshooting
- Hydraulic systems
- CAD/CAM applications
- Thriving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Tools You’ll Touch
- CNC Laser Cutter
- Press Brake
- CNC Plasma Cutter
- Robotic Welder
- CAD Software (SolidWorks)
- ERP Software
Ready to engineer smoother builds, cleaner welds, and faster changeovers?
If you thrive where heavy fabrication meets precision process design, Arctic Snow and Ice wants you to set the standard for how our products are made.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement end-to-end manufacturing processes that are efficient, cost-effective, and high quality.
- Create tooling and fixtures that drive repeatability and safety.
- Develop, initiate, and manage projects through all phases; partner with Project Managers to allocate and track resources.
- Lead welding processes for manual MIG and robotic cells—design, optimize, and sustain for consistent quality.
- Author and maintain WPS and PQR documentation in compliance with AWS/ASME.
- Program plasma, laser, and press brake equipment for reliable throughput.
- Introduce new processes and equipment; organize parts and build product manuals for smooth launches.
- Run root-cause investigations for weld defects and equipment failures; implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with external operations and Quality to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Find and deliver cost reductions without sacrificing quality.
- Use time-and-motion studies to eliminate waste and improve flow.
- Train production and maintenance teams to elevate capability and uptime.
- Oversee quality for incoming materials and outgoing products.
What You Bring
- CAD (SolidWorks), project management, and statistical analysis proficiency.
- ERP experience required—Epicor a plus.
- BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Strong grasp of manufacturing systems; deep knowledge of weld metallurgy, processes, and equipment.
- Analytical problem-solver with excellent communication, leadership, and attention to detail.
- Independent operator who can juggle multiple projects.
Minimum Requirements
- CAD experience required
- ERP software experience
- 5–10 years in heavy manufacturing
- Engineering process control and PLM experience
Benefits & Perks
- 401(k) with company match
- Medical, dental, vision
- Life and disability insurance
- PTO
Bonus Points If You’re Comfortable With
- Quality inspection and QC data analysis
- Electrical schematics and troubleshooting
- Hydraulic systems
- CAD/CAM applications
- Thriving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Tools You’ll Touch
- CNC Laser Cutter
- Press Brake
- CNC Plasma Cutter
- Robotic Welder
- CAD Software (SolidWorks)
- ERP Software
See All 17 Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsManufacturing Process Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Process Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Automotive
- Chemicals & Materials
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing process engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience applying lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or kaizen methodologies in a production environment
- Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks for process documentation and tooling design
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and process flow diagrams
- Experience conducting root cause analysis and leading corrective action on production quality issues
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or AS9100 quality management standards relevant to Illinois industry sectors
Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing process engineer in Illinois?
Most manufacturing process engineers in Illinois enter the field with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an accredited university such as the University of Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology, or Purdue's regional campuses. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for this role in most manufacturing settings, though engineers who sign off on public safety designs may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Employers also value Six Sigma and lean certifications.
How much do manufacturing process engineers make in Illinois?
Manufacturing process engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $100,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $73,780 for the lowest 10% to over $155,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing process engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring manufacturing process engineers in Illinois right now include Flextron Circuit Assembly, ITW, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of automotive suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, and food processing companies means demand is distributed across both the Chicago metro and mid-state industrial corridors around Peoria and Rockford.
Which Illinois cities have the most manufacturing process engineer jobs?
Waukegan, Wood Dale, and Bradley account for the largest share of manufacturing process engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago's dense base of diversified manufacturers and corporate engineering centers drives the highest volume, while Peoria's concentration of heavy equipment production anchored by Caterpillar and Rockford's strong aerospace and precision machining clusters sustain consistent demand outside the metro.
Are there remote manufacturing process engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing process engineering is a hands-on, plant-floor role, so most positions require on-site presence to observe production, troubleshoot equipment, and work with operators directly. About 22% of manufacturing process engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be process documentation, standards development, or multi-site coordination roles rather than day-to-day production support.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing process engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a process technician, manufacturing engineer in training, or quality engineer role at a large Illinois employer with structured rotational programs, such as those Caterpillar, Abbott, or Illinois Tool Works run for recent graduates. Community colleges like Moraine Valley and Rock Valley offer manufacturing technology certificates that give candidates a practical edge. Internships arranged through Illinois universities and co-op programs are the most direct route to a full-time offer in this field.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing process engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to manufacturing process engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and target location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 17 Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs