What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Manager - Fabrication (Manufacturing) position at iLocatum?
Engineering Manager – Fabrication
Rockford, IL
Must-Haves (Required Qualifications)
We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Manager to lead product development from concept through full production. This role sits at the intersection of engineering execution and team leadership, driving the design of complex fabricated products while ensuring manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.
The ideal candidate brings strong fabrication expertise, proven leadership experience, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-performance products.
Key Responsibilities
Product Design Leadership
Rockford, IL
Must-Haves (Required Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Welding, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- 10 years of design and manufacturing experience in a fabrication environment
- Proven experience managing engineering teams and projects
- Deep, hands-on expertise with welding, sheet metal, and large assemblies
- Strong background in design for manufacturability (DFM)
- Working knowledge of ASME, ISO, and DOT standards
We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Manager to lead product development from concept through full production. This role sits at the intersection of engineering execution and team leadership, driving the design of complex fabricated products while ensuring manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.
The ideal candidate brings strong fabrication expertise, proven leadership experience, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-performance products.
Key Responsibilities
Product Design Leadership
- Lead product development from concept, prototyping, testing, and production release
- Ensure designs meet performance, cost, quality, and manufacturability targets
- Apply advanced welding knowledge to design decisions and production planning
- Lead and develop a team of engineers and technical staff
- Balance workloads, set priorities, and keep projects on schedule
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability
- Improve engineering and fabrication workflows
- Drive cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency gains
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure products comply with ASME, ISO, DOT, and applicable standards
- Maintain accurate and complete engineering documentation
- Support audits and quality system requirements
- Partner closely with manufacturing to ensure smooth product launches
- Troubleshoot fabrication and welding issues on the floor
- Refine designs to improve manufacturability and throughput
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package
- 401(k)
- Generous PTO