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Senior Manufacturing Engineer, High-Speed Automated Packaging

Flex · Buffalo Grove, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 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 high-speed automated packaging or assembly lines you've improved. What was the speed and what did you change?

What they are checking: Whether their experience matches the high-volume automated packaging this role supports.

Tell me about a new technology or automation solution you implemented. How did you prove it was worth it?

What they are checking: Whether they can justify and land new solutions with measurable results.

Tell me about a time an improvement you made backfired. What happened?

What they are checking: Whether they own results honestly and learn from failures.

How do you mentor less experienced engineers and technicians?

What they are checking: Whether they raise the team's skill level, as expected of a senior engineer.

What would you do

How do you reduce cycle time on automated equipment without hurting quality or reliability?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh tradeoffs rather than just turning up speed.

How do you lead a continuous improvement project when you don't have direct authority over the people involved?

What they are checking: Whether they can influence operators, maintenance and quality to drive change.

About the work

A line runs at rated speed but OEE is stuck at 60 percent. How do you find the losses?

What they are checking: Whether they break losses into micro-stops, changeovers and rejects instead of chasing averages.

How do you find and fix micro-stops that operators clear in seconds and never report?

What they are checking: Whether they know that small hidden stops often cost more than big breakdowns on fast lines.

Walk me through a capacity analysis you did. What did you learn and what did you change?

What they are checking: Whether they can model throughput and find the true bottleneck.

How do you use data from the line, like PLC counts or MES data, to drive decisions?

What they are checking: Whether they rely on real data from the equipment rather than anecdotes.

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The full job description

As published by Flex.

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary 

 Position Summary Join an established, growing, $26 billion technology-driven manufacturing organization where you will play a key role in improving highly automated production systems. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, High-Speed Automated Packaging, you will be responsible for optimizing automated assembly equipment, improving production performance, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing advanced manufacturing solutions that increase productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, leading process improvements, and working with automation technologies in a high-volume production environment. What You'll Do: Drive Manufacturing Performance • Optimize cycle times, throughput, equipment utilization, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). • Improve production line performance through capacity analysis, line balancing, and workflow optimization. • Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement. • Support production ramp-ups, pilot builds, and new product introductions. Lead Continuous Improvement Initiatives • Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen activities. • Reduce scrap, downtime, waste, and process variation. • Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions. • Develop and implement error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) solutions. Support Advanced Automation Systems • Troubleshoot and improve automated assembly equipment, robotics, vision systems, sensors, and PLC-controlled machinery. • Partner with maintenance teams to develop reliability and preventive maintenance strategies. • Collaborate with equipment suppliers and system integrators to implement process improvements. • Support integration of digital manufacturing technologies and MES systems. Ensure Product Quality & Compliance • Develop and maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, and manufacturing documentation. • Support validation activities including IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols. • Ensure processes meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. Collaborate Across the Organization • Work closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams. • Provide technical leadership on automation projects and manufacturing improvements. • Train and mentor production personnel on new processes and equipment. What We're Looking For: Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline. • 5+ years of experience supporting automated manufacturing or assembly operations. • Hands-on experience troubleshooting high-speed automated production equipment. • Strong understanding of manufacturing process optimization and equipment reliability. • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and process improvement methodologies. • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical documentation. • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Preferred/Ideal/Optional Qualifications • Experience in medical device, electronics, SMT, automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, defense, or food manufacturing environments. • Experience with robotics, machine vision systems (Cognex), automation controls, and PLC-based equipment. • Six Sigma Green Belt certification. • Familiarity with servo systems, sensors, industrial automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. • Experience with MES platforms, data analytics, and digital manufacturing initiatives. • CAD software proficiency. What you'll receive for the great work you provide: • Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans • Life Insurance • Short-term and Long-term Disability • Matching 401(k) Contributions • Vacation and Paid Sick Time • Tuition Reimbursement 
 Application Deadline: Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume. Job Posting Start Date 09-21-2026 Job Posting End Date

 The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity. $99,900.00 USD - $137,400.00 USD Annual Job Category Production Engineering Is Sponsorship Available? No Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).

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