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Materials Engineering Rotational Program - Casting

Charter Manufacturing · Woodstock, IL · $68,900–$86,100 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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 your internship experience. What did you work on that relates to metals or foundry operations?

What they are checking: Whether their prior industry experience gives them a foundation for a foundry rotation.

Tell me about a time you used data to solve a problem in a lab, class project or internship.

What they are checking: Problem-solving with data, which the rotation in process engineering will require.

The program is in Shawano and starts in January 2027. How do you feel about living and working there?

What they are checking: Whether they have thought through the location and are likely to stay through the program.

Where do you see yourself after the rotations, and what do you want to learn most?

What they are checking: Whether their goals fit a program built to develop future engineering leaders.

Tell me about a time you worked with people outside engineering to get something done.

What they are checking: Whether they can collaborate across functions, which the program description stresses throughout every rotation.

What would you do

One of your rotations is production shift supervisor. How would you lead experienced workers who know far more about the process than you?

What they are checking: Humility and the ability to earn trust while still taking responsibility.

How would you investigate a sudden rise in scrap on a casting line?

What they are checking: Structured root cause thinking across materials, process and equipment.

The technical services rotation involves customers. How would you explain a material property issue to a customer who is not an engineer?

What they are checking: Communication skill for the commercial side of materials engineering.

About the work

Explain the difference between ductile iron and gray iron and what controls which one you get.

What they are checking: Core metallurgy knowledge relevant to a foundry that produces cast iron products.

What casting defects do you know about, and what usually causes them?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect defects like porosity and shrinkage to process causes.

How do you think about safety in a foundry environment?

What they are checking: Awareness of hazards like molten metal, heat and heavy equipment before they step on the floor.

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The full job description

As published by Charter Manufacturing.

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better. Join the team and become part of our family! Charter Casting is launching our new Materials Science & Engineering Rotational Program! Launch your engineering career with Charter Casting through a structured rotational program designed to develop future engineering leaders. Gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of our foundry operations, build your technical expertise, and develop the technical, operational, and leadership skills needed for a successful career in manufacturing. We're seeking December 2026 graduates pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering with previous internship and industry experience. Program Structure • Process Engineer (12–18 months) • Production Shift Supervisor (12–18 months) • Technical Services / Commercial (12–18 months) • Location: Woodstock, IL • Start Date: January 2027 About the Program As a Rotational Engineer, you'll build a strong technical, operational, and problem-solving foundation while gaining experience across multiple areas of our manufacturing operations. Through hands-on learning, cross-functional collaboration, and exposure to key manufacturing processes and technologies, you'll contribute to continuous improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Throughout the program, you'll strengthen your ability to analyze complex systems, make data-driven decisions, and implement sustainable solutions that improve operational performance. What You'll Need • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering. • Graduation date of December 2026 . • Internship, co-op, or other related engineering work experience preferred. • High level of initiative with a passion for continuous improvement and achieving results. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and communicate ideas effectively. • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization. • Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. • Willingness to travel as needed. What You'll Focus On • Develop a strong technical and operational foundation through structured, hands-on learning across manufacturing operations. • Participate in shop-floor immersion to gain a firsthand understanding of production processes, equipment, and daily operations. • Lead and support process improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost. • Analyze production data to identify opportunities, solve complex problems, and implement sustainable improvements. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Commercial, to drive continuous improvement. • Gain exposure to automation, controls, and digital manufacturing technologies. • Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including root cause analysis, Lean, and Six Sigma, to improve manufacturing performance. • Document and standardize best practices to support knowledge sharing and operational excellence. #LI-AF1 #LI-Onsite #CharterCasting The annual hiring range for this position is: $68,900-$86,100. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will depend on various factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, and qualifications. Compensation decisions are tailored to the unique circumstances of each position and candidate. We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).

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