Plant Engineer

Our manufacturing client is looking for a hands-on Plant Engineer who loves being on the floor, solving real problems, and leading people—not just projects. This role blends technical engineering expertise with visible leadership in a unionized manufacturing environment. Local candidates only.

🌟 Why This Role?

This is a high-impact, highly visible position at the plant. You’ll own engineering support for daily operations while leading a team of skilled, senior maintenance professionals (electricians, millwrights, tool-and-die specialists). If you enjoy balancing engineering depth + people leadership, this role gives you both.

🔧 What You’ll Be Doing

• Support daily plant operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Troubleshoot equipment, tooling, and process issues on the floor
• Design and recommend tooling improvements, material changes, and layout optimizations
• Maintain and update all plant engineering documentation (layouts, tooling drawings, specs)
• Provide technical data, comparator graphs, and CNC programming support
• Lead efficiency, waste-reduction, and cost-savings projects
• Manage engineering aspects of plant and capital projects from concept to completion
• Create feasibility studies and layout drawings for new equipment and initiatives
• Coordinate contractors, manage project budgets, and ensure safety compliance
• Track Project Appropriation Requests (PARs) and capital spending
• Manage tooling, spare parts, and asset inventories
• Partner with accounting on capital asset tracking and annual inventories
• Lead and support a unionized maintenance workforce, including electricians, millwrights, and tool-and-die specialists
• Build strong, respectful relationships with hourly employees and union leadership
• Participate in first-step union meetings and help ensure compliance with the CBA
• Lead tough conversations, corrective actions, and write-ups when needed
• Maintain a strong floor presence while balancing engineering and leadership responsibilities

🎓 What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
• 5–10 years of manufacturing or production experience
• Prior experience in a union manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to lead people, not just projects
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma
• Working knowledge of Allen Bradley PLCs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Confident communicator who can influence at all levels
• Direct Hire
• On-site role (Alsip / Greater Chicago area)
• $100,000–$115,000 base salary + bonus
• Compensation based on experience, skills, and background

Solomon Edwards Group , LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status.

Solomon Edwards Group , LLC adheres to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Your privacy matters to us. We never sell your data and only collect personal information to match candidates with opportunities.