Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc. Schaumburg, IL

Unique Opportunity with a Globally Recognized Manufacturing Firm

Kitagawa-NorthTech, Inc., is a well-respected and dynamic manufacturing organization located in Schaumburg, Illinois. For over 50 years, Kitagawa workholding products have inspired trust and confidence with machine tool dealers and customers across the globe. Dating back to 1967 when Kitagawa introduced the first Power Chuck, Kitagawa workholding products have stood the test of time. This job opening represents an outstanding opportunity for the right person to join Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc. and play a key role in our continued success.

Position Summary: The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for assessing the needs and producing accurate designs per application/customer specifications, requirements, machinability, part deflection, friction and other factors. The Mechanical Engineer accomplishes this by utilizing or developing appropriate mechanical engineering calculations, CAD-NX (2312 or higher) layouts with Teamcenter, FEA (Ansys), manufacturing detail drawings, test documents and other necessary duties.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Keeps informed of new products, services and other general information of interest to customers.


• New product development/continuous improvement.


• Develop and take ownership of robust designs for standard & custom workholding systems utilizing strong mechanical engineering principles and KNI standards to build solutions for "The Best Workholding".


• Create fully defined 3D models & associated 2D documentation using CAD (Siemens NX and Teamcenter preferred)


• Evaluates mechanical and electromechanical systems and products as needed by designing and conducting research programs; applying principles of mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, metrology and metallurgy/materials.


• Validate product designs by designing feasibility, and FEA testing methods and procedures, including DFMA and DFSS principles.


• Assures system and product conformance to designs and system capabilities per customer's scope; confirming fabrication, assembly, usage and installation processes, as needed.


• Completes projects by training and guiding mechanical designers.


• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.


• Receives, understands and follows all written and oral instruction.


• Assist IT with maintaining and configuring license servers for engineering software


• Support the engineering department through the maintenance and improvement of Epicor-related processes


• Provides engineering support to other departments as needed by answering questions and requests.


• Communicate all problems and other work-related issues to supervisor


• Complete all paperwork associated with position in a timely manner


• Comply with all company policies and procedures in including safety and attendance requirements.


• Prepares product reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends as needed.


• Participate in activities to increase personal skill level and to improve departmental processes and product quality


• Resolve day-to-day issues by working effectively with others.


• Maintain "meet" or "exceed" ratings on all performance evaluations.


• Work with customers to evaluate and identify improvement opportunities and provide immediate feedback.


• Maintains system and product database by using internal software and entering data.


• Supports ongoing manufacturing via the ECN's and lean manufacturing techniques as needed.


• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.


• Actively participates in the CAPA system by initiating reports, conducting root cause investigations, implementing targeted preventive actions, and verifying the effectiveness of the solutions to drive continuous quality improvements.


• Other duties required to meet company needs as assigned by supervisor.

Education, Experience & Skills

1. Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or manufacturing engineering, plus three years of related experience; or an associate degree in a related field plus five years of relevant experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.


2. Ethics - Treats people with respect; respects diversity; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.


3. Strategic Thinking - Analyzes market and competition, identifies external threats and opportunities. Adapts strategy to changing conditions.


4. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Ability to use a variety of measuring equipment and gages.


5. Project Management - Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time; manages project team activities.


6. Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.


7. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.


8. Organizational support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals; benefits organization through outside activities.

What We Offer: Our comprehensive benefits include: medical, dental and vision plans; employee assistance program; 401(k); company paid life insurance; semi-annual discretionary bonus program; paid time off including vacation, fourteen holidays, and six sick days. The annual salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000, based on qualifications and experience.

The Essential Duties & Responsibilities listed above are general in nature and are not meant to be all inclusive, as they are examples of what this position is expected to perform. The organization retains the right to add to, or modify, this Position Description at any time.

Kitagawa-NorthTech, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer