JobsGenerac

Manufacturing Engineer I

Generac · Belvidere, IL

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 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.

Behavioral

Walk me through a new product introduction you supported on the manufacturing floor, from the engineering handoff to full production run.

whether the candidate has real NPI experience and understands the full launch cycle, not just a piece of it

Tell me about a time you found a bottleneck in a process and what you did to fix it.

practical process improvement experience and whether they can quantify the impact of their work

Tell me about a time a project deadline shifted on you with little warning. How did you reprioritize?

resilience and organizational skill under the fast pace and shifting priorities the posting flags

Describe a disagreement you had with a shop floor operator or technician about how a process should run. How did you resolve it?

conflict resolution skill and respect for floor-level expertise, since the role requires working closely with operators

Tell me about a time you had to work across departments, like quality, purchasing, or design, to get a process improvement approved and implemented.

cross-functional collaboration skill needed to push initiatives through beyond just engineering

Technical

How would you go about mapping material and information flow on a mixed model line to find where things are getting stuck?

understanding of value stream mapping and lean tools applied to a real mixed model environment

What lean tools have you actually used on the floor, not just studied, and can you give an example of one you applied?

depth versus surface familiarity with lean principles

What CAD software have you used and can you describe a layout or tooling design you created from scratch?

actual hands-on CAD competency versus resume keywords

Have you worked with PLC programming or automated equipment before? Walk me through a project where you specified or justified new equipment.

whether they can handle the equipment selection and justification side of the role, not just process work

Have you worked in both high mix low volume and high volume low mix environments? What changes in your approach between the two?

whether they grasp how manufacturing strategy differs by production type, a distinction the posting explicitly calls out

What does good process documentation look like to you, and can you give an example of a procedure you wrote or improved?

attention to standard work and whether they understand documentation as a control mechanism, not paperwork

Situational

Say a supplier changes a component and it's causing fit issues on the line right now. What do you do in the first hour?

triage instincts and whether they escalate appropriately versus trying to solve everything alone

If you had to implement a demand driven change on a line that's used to running one way for years, how would you get buy-in from the people running it every day?

change management approach and whether they understand operational excellence requires people, not just process redesign

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The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for ongoing process improvement initiatives that deliver excellence across entire value chain. This position develops and improves manufacturing processes and product quality by studying product and manufacturing methods, identifying areas of improvement, and working with manufacturing personnel to ensure plans are implemented. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Responsible for coordinating the successful launch of New Product Introductions (NPI) within Operations. • Contribute to facility transformation, technology transfer and ongoing maintenance of mixed model lines or value streams. • Ensure ongoing success of process improvement initiatives by implementing policies, procedures and process documentation. • Implement demand driven principles and strategies that supports operational excellence and long range plans. (Flexibility, Speed & Responsiveness) • Ensure product, material and information streams flow and are synchronized to produce maximum efficiencies and lowest cost of operation. • Contribute to creation of innovative ideas to improve business results. • Deploy standard Generac tools, methodologies, standards, practices and processes. • Implement objectives to include continuous improvement initiatives to achieve customer satisfaction and fulfillment needs. • Work closely with shop floor personnel to promote ongoing continuous improvement of manufacturing methods, systems and controls. • Responsible for area layouts, process definition, PLC programing, design/selection, justification, and implementation of equipment, programs, and tooling. Basic Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology and 1-3 years related experience in the Engineering function within a similar working environment. Additional Qualifications: • Proficiency in CAD (AutoCAD, Solid Works and/or ProE); • Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills; • Knowledge of lean principles and process improvements; • Diverse skills and experience leading projects; • Experience collaborating cross-functionally to achieve desired results; • Experience operating in high mix, low volume and high volume, low mix production environments; • Demonstrated skills in problem solving and conflict resolution; • Proven track record of successfully managing shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast paced Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.  The salary range for this role based in Belvidere, IL is $67,700.00 - 101,600.00 USD.  This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled.  Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location.  This role is eligible for variable compensation including short-term and long-term incentives.   This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long-term disability, flexible spending and health savings accounts, accrued paid time off, 8 paid Holidays and 401(k) retirement benefits. “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

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