Jobs › Plexus

Digital Manufacturing Operations Engineer I

Plexus · Buffalo Grove, IL · $70,600–$105,800 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a project where you used code or data to solve a real problem.

What they are checking: Whether they have applied technical skills to practical results rather than only finishing assignments.

Tell me about a time you had to learn a complicated system quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they can ramp up on unfamiliar tools, since every factory runs its own system mix.

How do you explain technical issues to people on the production floor?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate simply and patiently with the people who depend on their systems.

What do you want to be able to do in this role a year from now that you can't do today?

What they are checking: Whether they have realistic growth goals and will take initiative in learning.

What would you do

How would you find out why a station in Buffalo Grove is recording fewer units than expected?

What they are checking: Whether they compare system data with what is physically happening on the line instead of trusting one source.

An operator says the system is wrong and the product is fine. How would you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they listen respectfully, investigate the data and avoid overriding controls without proper review.

About the work

What experience do you have with manufacturing systems, databases or scripting that fits this role?

What they are checking: Whether they bring practical skills an entry-level engineer can use quickly on the floor.

Why does tracking every serial number through each step matter so much for medical and aerospace products?

What they are checking: Whether they understand traceability supports recalls, audits and investigations for regulated customers.

How would you write a SQL query to count failures by station over the last week?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle basic grouping and filtering on production data, a daily need in this role.

What would you do before making a change to a system that production uses every day?

What they are checking: Whether they understand testing and approval steps protect production from unexpected problems.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Plexus.

About us: At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world’s most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision. When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world. With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success. As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth. Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience. For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com . Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. The annual compensation range for this position is stated below. The salary offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level. Salary Range: $70,600.00 - $105,800.00 Purpose Statement: The role is responsible for optimizing and managing the processes and systems involved in manufacturing operations using digital technologies. They utilize tools such as automation, data analytics, simulation, and machine learning to improve efficiency, quality, and agility in manufacturing processes. Their role involves implementing digital solutions to streamline production, reduce costs and enhance overall performance in manufacturing facilities. Key Job Accountabilities: • Develops Manufacturing solutions/ Provide services that are high-quality, cost-appropriate, and satisfy the customer's requirements. • Utilizes appropriate tools and equipment to perform necessary work including creation, analysis, and verification. • Demonstrates a clear, discipline-specific understanding of the full Plexus Manufacturing processes/ Product Requirements & Specifications as it applies to their role. • Successfully executes responsibilities in adherence to Plexus' Manufacturing Processes • Produces comprehensive project documentation based on the needs of the project and in accordance with the quality and change management procedures and guidelines, as it applies to their role. Education/Experience Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree with 1 or more years of related experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered. Other Qualifications: • Advanced computer skills. Thorough understanding of PLM systems to manage product lifecycles effectively. Proficiency in simulation and data analysis software are crucial for optimizing production workflows and analyzing manufacturing data. Familiarity with automation technologies and basic programming knowledge. • Intermediate Decision Making, Problem Solving Skills • Intermediate Verbal and Written Communications Skills • Strong Analytical and statistical analysis Skills; Statistical Process Control Software Skills • Proactive and ability to work in a Cross-Discipline team environment • Understand Structured Design • Ability to develop good working relationships with team members and customers • Lab tool/ test/measurement equipment experience preferred Physical Requirements: • N/A Travel Requirements: • Less than 40% This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you need an application accommodation, please contact us by email at GHQ.TA@plexus.com . Please include your contact information and clearly describe how we can help you. This email is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.

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