Manufacturing Engineer

SATO America is seeking a detail-orientated, service-focused, Manufacturing Engineer.

At SATO America, LLC our mission is to create new value for our customers through products and services of superior quality and to contribute towards a better and more sustainable world. In over 80 years, SATO has fostered a culture of professionalism and customer-centric innovation with an unchanging mission of value creation for customers that, in turn, contributes to a more sustainable world. Do you have what it takes to be our customer's most trusted partner for mutual growth, and always essential in an ever-changing world? If so, look no further. We have a place for you.

Summary

SATO is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Production Engineer to join our Romeoville facility. This role is pivotal in driving process innovation, enhancing production efficiency, and supporting our transformation toward smart manufacturing. You will lead initiatives that integrate automation, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration to meet our quality, safety, sustainability, and innovation goals. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation projects and shape the future of smart manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement best practices to improve production rates, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to optimize workflow, equipment layout, and space utilization.
• Design, test, and upgrade manufacturing and quality processes, including Flexo Control Plans.
• Lead new process development and continuous improvement for existing and new products.
• Support the specification, installation, and qualification of new equipment, including RFID and short-run press technologies.
• Create and maintain work instructions using standard formats, train operators on new procedures.
• Drive automation initiatives, including label application and verification systems (e.g., LR4NX-FA, ID scanners).
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and participate in audits and Gemba walks.
• Analyze production data and generate reports to inform strategic decisions.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and ensure adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
• Support cross-site initiatives ISO and FSC certification efforts.
• Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leverage predictive analytics for maintenance and quality control using eMaintenance.
• Develop eco-friendly manufacturing processes and reduce carbon footprint.

Qualifications

Critical Competencies

Work Environment & Travel

Office-based with frequent access to production areas and proximity to printing machinery. Moderate travel is required to support cross-site initiatives and equipment implementation.

SATO America LLC offers a highly competitive salary in addition to an outstanding, market-leading benefits program. SATO's total compensation package extends well beyond your paycheck as it's designed to support and enrich your personal and professional life. See our benefit line-up below :

Health & Wellness : medical, vision, and dental insurance to include coverage for domestic partners. SATO contributes approximately 75% to the cost of employees' health insurance coverage along with 100% company paid Life & AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with an employer contribution of $500.00 or $1,000.00 depending on elected medical coverage.

Time Away : We observe 10 company-paid holidays per year and up to ten (10) days accrued vacation time in the first year. Eleven (11) days at year two (2). Twelve (12) days at year three (3). Thirteen (13) days at year four (4) and fifteen (15) days at year five (5). We also offer six (6) accrued personal days for you to use for things like weddings, moving, mental health, religious holiday, sick child or for anything that is truly personal.

Saving for the Future : plan for your short-term and long-term goals with our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match with no vesting schedule. You are fully vested on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. SATO will match 100% / dollar-for-dollar of your 401(k)-deferral amount of the first 3% of your pay and an additional match of 50% / $.50 on the next 2% of your pay. For example, if you defer 5% of your pay into the 401(k) Plan, SATO will make a 4% matching contribution.

Work-Life : we offer an Employee Assistance Program for employees and eligible family members, career development, growth opportunities, and referral bonuses.

SATO America LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. If you are excited about this role but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply. We are focused on creating and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. SATO America LLC's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.