Sr. Manufacturing Engineer / Quality Engineer in Rockford, Illinois at Hydraulic Technologies USA, LLC

Location: Rockford, IL (Onsite Only – Local candidates required; relocation not provided)

Reports To: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Status: Exempt

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Manufacturing/Quality Engineer to support daily production, improve processes, and ensure product quality in a machining and assembly environment. This role is not a design engineering position — it is a floor‑focused engineering role responsible for process optimization, problem solving, and quality system execution.

The ideal candidate has at least 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, strong root‑cause analysis skills, and a proven ability to drive improvements in safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing

• Provide daily production floor support to resolve process, tooling, and equipment issues.
• Develop, document, and maintain machining and assembly processes.
• Support new product introduction from a manufacturing readiness standpoint (PFMEA, control plans, process documentation).
• Participate in equipment justification and support implementation of new machinery and technology.
• Execute engineering change notifications and ensure smooth integration into production.

Quality

• Ensure compliance with workmanship standards and ISO‑based quality system requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection methods for manufacturability and accuracy.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective/preventive action activities.
• Conduct internal audits and verify effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Interface with customers and suppliers to resolve quality issues and drive improvements.
• Develop and maintain inspection documentation for new and existing products.

Continuous Improvement

• Develop standardized work and implement process improvements across machining and assembly.
• Lead waste‑reduction, cost‑reduction, and efficiency‑improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate and optimize manufacturing processes using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands‑on manufacturing or quality engineering experience in a production environment required.
• Strong experience with machining, assembly, tooling, and fixturing.
• Working knowledge of ISO quality systems, Lean, and Six Sigma tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead root‑cause analysis and data‑driven problem solving.
• Experience collaborating with customers and suppliers on technical and quality issues.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling or 3D printing is a plus.

Benefits & Perks

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and long‑term success, including:

• Participation in our Annual Bonus Plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Benefits (life, disability, supplemental coverage options)
• Generous 401(k) Program with company contribution
• Tuition Assistance Program to support continued education and professional development
• Paid time off and company holidays
• A great work environment with a collaborative culture — people here are willing to help, share knowledge, and support growth from within
• A stable, growing manufacturing environment with opportunities to lead impactful improvement initiatives

Additional Requirements

• This is a fully onsite role. Remote or hybrid work is not available.
• Local candidates only; relocation assistance is not provided.
• Must be comfortable spending significant time on the production floor.