Manufacturing Engineer I

Company: Reader Precision Solutions
Location: Elkhorn
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job Summary: As a Manufacturing Engineer I at Reader Precision Solutions, you will play an active, hands-on role in supporting process improvements and enhancing production equipment performance on the shop floor. You’ll help implement new technologies, launch new products and tooling solutions, and partner with production employees to improve uptime, efficiency, and throughput. This role is ideal for someone who is mechanically inclined, eager to learn, and excited to apply engineering fundamentals directly in a production environment. Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Process Improvement & Equipment Support: Assist in evaluating existing manufacturing processes and identifying areas for improved efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Provide hands-on support in implementing engineering changes and process enhancements across the production floor. Participate in new equipment setup, proving out processes, and optimizing workflows for manufacturability. Provide machine troubleshooting assistance as needed. Tooling & Fixturing: Collaborate with production & quality team members to design and fabricate tools, gauges and fixtures. Apply additive manufacturing to accelerate problem-solving and drive innovative improvements on the production floor. Support production operations through the design and fabrication of efficient, accurate fixtures for vertical machining centers. Technical Documentation & Data Tracking: Develop and maintain accurate work instructions and setup guides to ensure smooth project transitions between production employees. Help update and organize engineering documentation within internal training systems, ERP or SharePoint. Capture lessons learned and standardized best practices for repeatability and training purposes. Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking opportunities for advancements in manufacturing technologies, techniques, and equipment. Implement Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste, reduce cycle times, and improve overall operational efficiency. Quality & Process Verification: Work closely with quality control team to establish and maintain high-quality standards throughout the manufacturing process. Design & complete feasibility review, testing, & implementation of custom manufacturing/inspection equipment. Investigate and resolve issues related to product quality and collaborate with quality and production team to implement corrective actions. Skills & Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience or technical training). Prior exposure to machining or manufacturing environments through coursework, internships, or co-op programs is highly preferred. Strong mechanical aptitude with comfort using hand tools, measuring instruments, and basic shop equipment. Foundational understanding of machining processes, cutting tools, and metalworking principles (feeds, speeds, materials, coolants). Working knowledge of CAD/3D modeling software (Autodesk Inventor preferred). Basic understanding of Lean Manufacturing and process improvement concepts. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T. Proficient computer skills including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) with the ability to catch on quickly to new software. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Eagerness to learn from experienced production employees and engineers while contributing ideas and energy to a collaborative team. Positive attitude, curiosity, and a strong desire to grow. Work Schedule: This is a full-time, salaried exempt, benefits eligible position, following a core schedule of Monday through Friday from 6:30AM to 3:00PM, with flexibility as needed; additional hours may be required based on business needs. Benefits & perks of joining the Reader Precision Solutions team include: RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast-paced work environment in a high-tech manufacturing facility named one of the TOP WORKPLACES by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel THREE YEARS IN A ROW (2022, 2023 & 2024) and the 35th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year . Our work environment is extremely clean, well lit, organized (5S), & climate-controlled. In addition, our team thrives in a supportive culture that provides engaged leadership, ongoing recognition for performance results, & a great benefits package. Competitive wages (paid weekly on Thursday's) 8% of base pay shift differential (2nd & 3rd shift) Benefits begin the month following 30 days of employment: health insurance with points based, holistic wellness program, dental, life, & disability insurance Partnership with a near site local clinic for FREE health services including primary & preventative care, walk in visits, labs, prescriptions, etc. FREE vision insurance! 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% company match (immediately vested!) Vacation accrual starts upon hire - accrue up to 2.5 weeks in first year! 9 paid holidays with up to two discretionary holidays each year Education assistance up to $5,250 annually (after 12 months of service) Professional development opportunities – internal & external (cross-departmental training, PMPA conferences, IMTS-Chicago, local technical colleges/universities, & more…) Career advancement – ongoing training & mentoring with opportunity to grow your skills Performance bonus – potential to receive a discretionary year-end bonus based on individual and group performance Company paid Short-Term Disability policy Company events – team lunches, summer picnic event, holiday party Company zoo pass to Milwaukee County Zoo Voluntary pet insurance Holistic wellness program – earn up to $700 in incentives through points accumulation for accomplishing a variety of wellness activities. Also offered by the Company are employer paid onsite flu shots, biometric screenings, free health coaching & MUCH more! Employer paid life insurance – $50,000 policy with options for voluntary life up to $400,000 benefit maximum Financial planning resources & onsite financial wellness workshops Employer subsidized work shoes & safety glasses program Reader Precision Solutions branded attire – $100 annual allowance Employee Referral bonus – $1,000 Satisfying work…leaving work at the end of the day knowing that the GREAT work you do is meaningful and appreciated by the Company, our clients, and end users who benefit from the high-quality components we manufacture for them! With the right mix of drive, commitment to excellence, & consistent performance, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills in different areas with increasing responsibilities & rewards! Physical/Environmental Demands: The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical and environmental demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Ability to continuously lift 10 lbs, frequently lift up to 25 lbs, occasionally lift 50 lbs. Ability to push/pull up to 200-300 lbs with wheeled pallet jack. Ability to bend and stoop to pick up product. Ability to stretch and reach. Prolonged periods of sitting and standing. Ability to move around the manufacturing facility to inspect processes and equipment. Manual dexterity and precision for handling tools and equipment. Exposure to machining and manufacturing environments, including noise, dust, solvents, and varying temperatures. Willingness to wear personal protective equipment as required. Typically, work is performed within a manufacturing environment where the noise level is moderate to high. Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars for Success: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change and engaging our customers to achieve synergy. Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success with setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment. Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by, operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on customer needs and contributing positively to our community and environment. Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment. Reader Precision Solutions is a premier contract manufacturer of precision machined components, delivering high-quality, mission-critical solutions across a wide range of industries and applications. With decades of expertise, Reader Precision operates under a comprehensive turnkey manufacturing model, offering end-to-end control from early supplier involvement and engineering collaboration to full-scale production, precision finishing, and logistics management. This integrated approach ensures exceptional quality, reliability, and responsiveness for clients in the military & weapons systems, dental & healthcare, defense & tactical, flow control, and specialty markets. Reader Precision Solutions proudly serves a diverse customer base across North America and Europe. To discover why Reader Precision Solutions is the first choice for our partners, and an employer of choice, visit our website: https://readerprecision.com. Reader Precision Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.

Keywords: Reader Precision Solutions, Bolingbrook , Manufacturing Engineer I, Engineering , Elkhorn, Illinois