Mechanical Engineer Wanted! Location: Rockford, IL Company: RCE Equipment Solutions Why Join RCE Equipment Solutions? • Be part of a fun, dynamic team that doesn’t just think outside the box—we build new boxes (and awesome rail equipment). Get the satisfaction of seeing your designs go from concept to real-world use. • Competitive Pay: Earn $70,000- $100,000+ per year (depending on your experience). • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Access to a full range of benefits that support your health, well-being, and future. (Link to benefits overview). • Stay Ahead of the Curve: We're committed to your development, offering hands-on experience to stay current with the latest technology and industry trends. • A Culture of Safety & Teamwork: At RCE, we prioritize safety and foster a collaborative team environment that works together to get the job done and ensure customer satisfaction. The Role We're on the hunt for a Mechanical Engineer to join our crew of innovators! If you enjoy designing cutting-edge equipment and thrive on improving existing designs, this is the place for you. At RCE, you’ll dive into exciting projects where your ideas will turn into the real-world tools that help keep the railways running. What You'll Do • Collaborate with our engineering team to design and develop new rail construction equipment and tools. • Put your creativity to the test as you improve and optimize our existing products. Experience with AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop/Inventor is required. • Work hands-on with our in-house manufacturing team to ensure designs come to life exactly how you envision. • Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting to make sure our customers are always riding smooth rails. What We're Looking For • Experience in an engineering-related work environment (and a passion for designing cool stuff). • Five years of experience strongly preferred. Design experience in rail or heavy equipment industry a plus. • A problem-solver who loves digging into new challenges and improving existing designs. • Strong collaboration skills—you're a team player, and you love turning ideas into reality. • Capable of writing operation manuals and service bulletins. • Areas of knowledge that are helpful: machining and fabrication operations regarding a weldment; operation and capabilities of construction equipment; and hydraulic and electrical systems. Ready to Join Us? Join a company that truly values its employees and where you can make a real difference. If you’re ready to put your skills to work and be part of a dynamic, growing company, apply today!
See More Details >>Woodward is seeking a First Shift Mechanical Engineering Technician to join our team in Rockford, IL. As a First Shift Mechanical Engineering Technician, you will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of mechanical, hydraulic, and instrumentation systems—including CNC machine centers—across our production floor. This role requires advanced troubleshooting skills, field service experience, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic industrial environment. This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR and EAR, or possess all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Benefits Package: • Estimated Hourly Base Pay: $30 – $40 based on experience • All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity • 401(k) match up to 4.5% • Annual Woodward stock contribution of 5% • Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities • 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays • Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective upon hire • Vacation, sick time, vacation buy-up, short-term disability, and bereavement leave • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health support • Member life and AD&D, long-term disability, and optional life coverage • Member referral bonus • Optional spouse/child life insurance, AD&D, and flexible spending accounts • Voluntary benefits, including: • Home and auto insurance discounts • Whole life and critical illness insurance • Legal assistance • Military leave Shift Information: • First Shift | Rock Cut Campus | 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM Required Education and Experience: • High school diploma or equivalent required • Associate degree in electronic, mechanical, or industrial discipline preferred • 10+ years of experience in machine repair required • Strong background in CNC equipment diagnosis and repair (Fanuc strongly preferred) • Previous experience as a Field Service Technician for manufacturing or CNC equipment is highly desired Essential Functions: • Repair CNC production equipment, robotic systems, test stands, and high-pressure systems • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and instrumentation systems • Perform mechanical alignments and electrical diagnosis (Fanuc, Makino, Okuma, Studer) • Conduct pump, actuator, and high-pressure system repairs • Train other team members on repair and alignment procedures • Respond to down-machine requests through the MPulse system • Use diagnostic tools such as micrometers, digital multimeters, ampere probes, and gauges • Operate tools and equipment including welding gear, mills, lathes, and drill presses • Navigate internal systems for documentation, repair tracking, and part ordering • Handle up to 50 lbs regularly, and occasionally up to 100 lbs • Work indoors and outdoors, including confined spaces, at heights, and around chemical/hazard exposure • Participate in on-call rotation, including weekend and short-notice overtime work Woodward’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Commitment: Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are dedicated to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven while upholding the highest ethical standards. We aim to attract top talent from our communities and create a rewarding environment where every team member can thrive and help deliver energy control solutions for a cleaner future. Woodward is an Equal Opportunity Employer EO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans
See More Details >>Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Rockford, IL, United States Sr. Mechanical Engineer Position Summary: We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a passion for complex machinery, advanced mechanical design, and systems integration. The ideal candidate will bring strong CAD modeling skills, in-depth knowledge of CREO, and proven experience working on large industrial equipment—especially in areas such as additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, or custom machinery. This is a key technical role focused on designing, analyzing, and improving the mechanical systems used in our next-generation machines and industrial 3D printers. Employment Type: Full Time Salary Key Responsibilities: • Lead the mechanical design and development of complex machinery and large industrial systems. • Utilize CREO CAD software to develop 3D models, detailed drawings, and assemblies. • Perform engineering calculations, tolerance stack-ups, and materials selection. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including controls, software, electrical, and manufacturing engineering. • Support integration of industrial 3D printing systems and automated fiber placement equipment into larger manufacturing environments. • Conduct design reviews and mentor junior engineers. • Assist in prototype assembly, testing, and troubleshooting. • Ensure all designs meet safety, quality, and performance standards. • Generate technical documentation including BOMs, specifications, and test procedures. • Develop new designs to meet customer or marketing specifications. • Works with supervision to maintain project schedules and budgets. • Documents designs using the appropriate format to Ingersoll and/or customer standards. • Provides assistance to other functional organizations, manufacturing, assembly, customer service, through the life of the project. • May have responsibility for testing and validation of design. • Develop specifications for purchased equipment. • Prepare Bill of Materials and ENOC’s. • Maintains technical competency and works to expand technical skills and knowledge. • Approve detailed drawings produced by peers. • Some travel is required for this position. Qualifications: • A Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or Mechanical Engineering • Extensive experience without a degree will be considered. • Minimum 8 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably in capital equipment or heavy industry. • Proficient in CREO (Parametric) CAD system and PDM tools. • Strong background in mechanical systems, motion control, structural design, and thermal considerations. • Demonstrated experience designing for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA). • Preferred Experience • Familiarity with hydraulic, pneumatic, and robotic systems integration. • Experience with industrial-scale additive manufacturing (3D printing) or automated fiber placement systems. • Hands-on experience with assembly, field installations, or system commissioning. • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) skills using tools such as ANSYS or similar. • Working knowledge of GD&T and ANSI/ASME Y14.5 standards. • Must be U.S. citizen Location & Compensation: • Rockford, IL • Pay: $90,000-$130,000 p/hr DOE • Benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) match. • Join the team to work on groundbreaking projects known for its innovation. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Employee assistance program • Health insurance • Paid time off • Tuition reimbursement • Vision insurance Work Location: In person
See More Details >>Embarking on a career in the mechanical trade in Rockford, IL, typically begins with a structured apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in the mechanical trade last about three to four years, requiring extensive training under seasoned professionals. According to the latest data, there are approximately 3,598 mechanical trade professionals in Rockford, with an average weekly wage of $696.50. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 11% job growth from 2022 to 2032 for mechanical engineers, highlighting the promising career prospects. Trade schools, unions, and industry programs provide aspiring mechanical trade professionals with apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a rewarding career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $87,000 annually for experienced professionals.
