Manufacturing Engineer (Machine Build / Automation)

Rockford Manufacturing Group (RMG) is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of wire processing machinery that is sold worldwide. RMG started business in 1976 and continues as the leader in its industry. We are a vertically integrated manufacturer, making most of the parts and components that go into our machines, service parts and tooling for our customers.

RMG provides an excellent work environment and competitive pay and exceptional benefits, including minimal cost medical, dental coverage, vision coverage, flex-Fridays, 401(k) company matching, profit sharing and educational reimbursements.

Our employees receive very low cost of healthcare with outstanding coverage and minimal cost for dependents.

Essential job duties and Responsibilities include

We are hiring a Manufacturing Engineer to own large machine builds from concept through commissioning. This hybrid role combines mechanical design, hands-on PLC and HMI troubleshooting, and project management. It is not a dedicated controls position: you will work alongside controls specialists while keeping builds on schedule, on budget and running reliably on the floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead large machine and equipment builds from requirements through design, fabrication, installation, commissioning and handoff
• Create and review mechanical designs, layouts and drawings, and coordinate with outside vendors and fabricators
• Develop project scopes, schedules and budgets, and track progress, risks and change orders
• Work with PLCs and HMIs to make modifications, diagnose faults and support startup, partnering with controls engineers or integrators on larger programming
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and controls issues on production equipment and drive root-cause fixes
• Specify and select components such as motors, drives, sensors, pneumatics and safety devices
• Support machine safety, including risk assessments and compliance with applicable standards
• Write documentation: BOMs, work instructions, operating and maintenance procedures, and training materials
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, quality and purchasing to meet manufacturing goals

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or equipment-building environment
• Proficiency with 3D CAD, such as SolidWorks or Inventor, and 2D drawing standards
• Working knowledge of PLCs and HMIs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell), including reading ladder logic, making edits and troubleshooting
• Ability to read electrical schematics and diagnose faults in sensors, drives, motors and pneumatics
• Demonstrated project management experience: scope, schedule, budget and vendor coordination
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across engineering, production and maintenance
• Experience building or integrating special-purpose or custom machinery
• Familiarity with machine safety standards (OSHA, NFPA 79, ANSI/RIA) and risk assessment
• Experience with servo and motion control
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and capital project approvals

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Split time between the office and the manufacturing floor, with occasional travel to vendors or customer sites
• Ability to stand, walk, climb and work around machinery for extended periods, and to lift up to 50 lbs
• Required use of PPE in production areas
• Occasional extended hours during machine startups and commissioning

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday, or, Monday to Thursday option

Work Location: One location

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• sales: 1 year (Preferred)
• Mechanical engineering: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person