Manufacturing Engineer in Aurora

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Aurora, IL

Department: Manufacturing / Operations

Reports To: Director of Operations

Position Summary

Magick Woods is seeking a Process & Continuous Improvement Engineer to support and enhance manufacturing performance within a high-volume, high-mix cabinetry production environment. This role focuses on process optimization, layout efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

The ideal candidate brings a strong engineering foundation, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the ability to translate data and observations into practical, scalable improvements on the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Analyze current manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies
• Develop and implement standardized work, process documentation, and best practices
• Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, and line balancing in a high-mix production environment

Layout & Facility Optimization

• Design, evaluate, and optimize production layouts to improve material flow, space utilization, and labor efficiency
• Utilize CAD software to develop layouts, workstation designs, and process flow diagrams
• Support facility changes related to new product introductions, volume changes, or equipment upgrades

Manufacturing Support

• Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to drive sustainable improvements
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality, safety, and productivity issues
• Assist with equipment selection, process validation, and implementation of new manufacturing methods
• Provide on-site support during implementation to ensure successful adoption and results

Data & Performance Management

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to efficiency, throughput, scrap, and labor utilization
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate progress and results to leadership
• Ensure improvements align with cost-reduction, quality, and delivery objectives

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related field required)

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a high-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives in a production setting
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing layout optimization and workflow design

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in CAD software for layout design and process visualization
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement tools, and root cause analysis
• Experience conducting time studies, value stream mapping, and process flow analysis
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to work directly on the production floor and influence change at all levels
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities
• Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset

Qualifications

• Experience in wood products, cabinetry, furniture, or similar manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing reporting tools
• Exposure to NPI (New Product Introduction) processes

Working Conditions

• A combination of office and manufacturing floor environment
• Requires regular presence on the shop floor to support implementation and observation
• May require occasional extended hours to support production needs