Manufacturing Engineer

SATO America is seeking a detail-oriented, service-focused, Manufacturing Engineer.

At SATO America, LLC our mission is to create new value for our customers through products and services of superior quality and to contribute towards a better and more sustainable world. In over 80 years, SATO has fostered a culture of professionalism and customer-centric innovation with an unchanging mission of value creation for customers that, in turn, contributes to a more sustainable world.

Do you have what it takes to be our customer's most trusted partner for mutual growth, and always essential in an ever-changing world? If so, look no further. We have a place for you.

SATO is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Production Engineer to join our Romeoville facility. This role is pivotal in driving process innovation, enhancing production efficiency, and supporting our transformation toward smart manufacturing. You will lead initiatives that integrate automation, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to meet our quality, safety, sustainability, and innovation goals. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation projects and shape the future of smart manufacturing.

• Develop and implement best practices to improve production rates, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to optimize workflow, equipment layout, and space utilization.
• Design, test, and upgrade manufacturing and quality processes, including Flexo Control Plans.
• Lead new process development and continuous improvement for existing and new products.
• Support the specification, installation, and qualification of new equipment, including RFID and short-run press technologies.
• Create and maintain work instructions using standard formats, train operators on new procedures.
• Drive automation initiatives, including label application and verification systems (e.g., LR4NX-FA, ).
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and participate in audits and Gemba walks.
• Analyze production data and generate reports to inform strategic decisions.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and ensure adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
• Support cross-site initiatives ISO and FSC certification efforts.
• Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leverage predictive analytics for maintenance and quality control using eMaintenance.
• Develop eco-friendly manufacturing processes and reduce carbon footprint.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Exposure to flexographic printing or process engineering.
• Exposure with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Radius, Oracle), automation technologies, and lean manufacturing.
• Preferred:
  Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with data analytics tools (Power BI, Python, Minitab) and CAD is preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in databases, spreadsheets, and technical documentation tools.

• Project facilitation and training leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Action-oriented and hands‑on approach to problem‑solving.

Office-based with frequent access to production areas and proximity to printing machinery. Moderate travel is required to support cross‑site initiatives and equipment implementation.

SATO America LLC offers a highly competitive salary in addition to an outstanding, market‑leading benefits program. SATO's total compensation package extends well beyond your paycheck as it's designed to support and enrich your personal and professional life.

Health & Wellness: medical, vision, and dental insurance to include coverage for domestic partners. SATO contributes approximately 75% to the cost of employees' health insurance coverage along with 100% company‑paid Life & AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, and a pre‑tax Health Savings Account with an employer contribution of $500.00 or $1,000.00 depending on elected medical coverage.

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