1213 Automation Sustaining Engineer jobs in Chicago,IL

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering (preferred) or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with strong focus on manufacturing systems and assembly operations.
Minimum 5 years of experience in assembly-driven manufacturing environments, with a focus on flow optimization, line efficiency, and productivity improvement.
Proven experience designing and improving assembly lines, including line balancing, takt time definition, and labor optimization.
Strong expertise in material management and internal logistics systems, including PFEP (Plan for Every Part), Kanban, FIFO, and pull-based replenishment systems.
Demonstrated experience in analyzing and optimizing end-to-end material flow, including line-side delivery, part presentation, and WIP control.
Solid understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes, including workstation design, operator ergonomics, and one-piece flow implementation.
Hands-on experience with Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Cycle Time (CT) studies, and bottleneck analysis to drive flow efficiency and lead-time reduction.
Experience supporting industrialization and assembly line setup, including equipment specification, integration, and performance validation aligned with flow requirements.
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, with emphasis on flow, pull systems, waste elimination, and standard work in assembly environments.
Experience developing and sustaining standard work, visual management, and flow control mechanisms across production lines.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with ability to influence OpCo teams, production leaders, and supply chain stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in dynamic, fast-paced production environments.
Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and results orientation, with focus on operational execution and measurable impact.
Highly organized, with a structured and analytical approach to solving flow, material availability, and line performance challenges.
Data-driven mindset with the ability to develop scalable and practical solutions for assembly and material flow systems.
Travel up to 60% to support OpCo engagement and onsite implementation of assembly and flow improvements.