Manufacturing Engineer (2nd Shift)
Element Solutions · Itasca, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Base pay
- $79k–$100k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Element Solutions (chemicals) in Itasca, IL. As part of the MAES Team, you will have ...
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, FMEA, DOE, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
- Base pay
- $79k–$100k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $90k–$143k. This one lists $79k–$100k.
Median of the low and high ends of 39 live postings that list pay, out of 67 manufacturing engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 66 other live manufacturing postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 20% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Typical $89k–$134k, from 34 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 43%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%
- ✓ Tooling 33%
- Automation 33%
- ✓ Lean 28%
- New product launch 25%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SolidWorks, AutoCAD, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Element Solutions
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Element Solutions in Itasca
3 other open roles at this site.
- Manufacturing Production Supervisor (2nd Shift) · Production · Supervisor
- Tool & Die Machinist · Manufacturing · Technician
- Maintenance Technician · Reliability · Technician
Full description from Element SolutionsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Experienced in fast-paced, high-volume production environments
Familiar with cleanroom operations, contamination control, and regulatory standards
Preferred: experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SQL, JDE, and structured problem-solving techniques
What competencies will you need?
Strong analytical and strategic thinking; makes decisions based on data and evidence
Proactive problem solver who anticipates obstacles and develops practical, long-term solutions
Creative and innovative in approaching complex engineering challenges
Effective collaborator across cross-functional teams, building strong working relationships
Self-directed, capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining quality and deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication, able to translate technical concepts for operations
Skilled in implementing Lean and continuous improvement methodologies to improve quality, efficiency, and cost
We are Offering...
Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future - We are committed to solving the complete and evolving needs of our customers through innovation and high-quality standards. We are focused on brining cutting edge and environmentally sustainable solutions to the market. Our people are the critical resource required to make that happen. We support your success by creating a strong, inclusive culture, competitive total rewards and an appropriate work-life balance.
As part of the MAES Team, you will have ...
- ✓Opportunities for career growth, competitive compensation (competitive base salary and performance related bonus plan) and benefits packages (health, dental, and vision insurance, Wellness Program, PTO/Holidays, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match).
- ✓The typical base salary range for this position is between $78,906 to $100,000 annually.
- ✓Innovated work environment where you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative team.
- ✓Perks and Incentives such as paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional development.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!
MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.
- •Wafer Level Packaging - Revolutionizing wafer fabrication processes for enhanced efficiency and performance
- •Circuitry Solutions - Tailored solutions to meet the dynamic demands of modern circuitry
- •Electronics Assembly Solutions - Innovating semiconductor, surface mount technology, and power electronics assembly for unparalleled reliability
- •Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits
- •Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting-edge materials and technologies for enhanced functionality and reliability
- •Micromax – Elevating electronics through high-performing, specialized inks and pastes
Across diverse sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, telecom, data storage, infrastructure, and AI, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions has earned the trust of manufacturers worldwide. Our comprehensive range of high-quality solutions and technical services enables the entire electronics supply chain, empowering businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
We embody the 'Elements of our Culture'- our 5C's; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking a motivated Manufacturing Engineering professional with strong technical expertise and a passion for continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will support our 2nd shift (2:00PM to 10:30PM) manufacturing operations across the product lifecycle, ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory standards, and partner effectively with cross-functional teams. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who can lead Lean initiatives, optimize processes, support manufacturing lines, and drive operational readiness for new and existing products.
What will you be doing?
Support product development by ensuring manufacturability, quality, and scalability
Provide manufacturing input, assess risks, and support project execution
Monitor KPIs, troubleshoot issues, and drive data-driven improvements
Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve cost, quality, and efficiency
Manage process changes, validation, and equipment qualification
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
Develop work instructions and train operations staff
Plan and qualify tooling and equipment to support production
Drive continuous improvement and innovation
Who are You?
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and/or 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in semiconductor or highly regulated industries
Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process optimization
Knowledgeable in Design for Manufacturing (DFM), PFMEA, DOE, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and process capability analysis