Palmer Group is assisting a long-established Fox Valley-based manufacturer in its search for an Engineering Manager to join their team. This company has operated for over a century and specializes in custom industrial and protective coatings for a range of commercial and industrial applications. As an Engineering Manager, you will oversee engineering and maintenance operations for three locations. This is an impactful leadership role that involves driving operational excellence, equipment reliability, and strategic growth through continuous improvement and capital projects. If your background aligns with the description below, please apply now!
$135,000 Salary + 20% Bonus Potential
Work model:
- On-Site
- 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Monday – Friday
What you will do:
- Drive engineering strategies aligned with operational goals and growth
- Deliver capital projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety standards
- Promote continuous Improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and TPM
- Collaborate across functions to optimize processes and standardize best practices
- Develop asset management plans to maximize lifecycle value and ensure compliance
- Oversee maintenance and reliability programs to improve uptime and equipment care
- Implement and enhance CMMS and reliability-centered maintenance practices
- Monitor equipment performance and resolve recurring issues through root-cause analysis
- Manage engineering projects from concept through commissioning, including vendor selection and validation
- Support process optimization, product scale-up, and complex troubleshooting
- Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements
- Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering and maintenance teams
- Cultivate a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous learning
- Collaborate with operations, quality, and R&D teams to advance product development and manufacturing excellence
What you will need to be successful:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, industrial engineering or related field; master’s preferred
- Minimum 8 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, including 3+ years in leadership
- Proven track record in capital projects, maintenance/reliability, and process improvement
- Background in coatings, chemicals, or similar process industries preferred
- Proficiency with CMMS, AutoCAD, and project management tools
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities
- Willingness to travel between multiple sites as needed
Benefits overview:
- Health, dental, and vision insurances
- 401k
- PTO
Interested and qualified candidates can contact Jordan Dougherty at (515) 225-7000 or email Jordan at jdougherty@thepalmergroup.com.

