Becoming a mechanical trades professional typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to four years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 762,600 mechanical engineers nationwide, with a significant presence in Sterling, IL. The average wage for mechanical trades professionals in Sterling, IL is approximately $750 per week, with experienced professionals earning up to $1,765 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring mechanical trades professionals find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
WAHL EMPOWERS PEOPLE TO BE THEIR BEST! Wahl Clipper Corporation, a global manufacturer of branded Consumer and Professional products, has an exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer for our Sterling factory. The Manufacturing Engineer holds a dynamic role that blends traditional manufacturing engineering responsibilities with technical support for daily operations. This position is central to driving operational development by identifying equipment needs, creating process specifications, collaborating with suppliers and integrators, acquiring, and implementing new systems, and managing equipment validation and acceptance processes. A core focus is on enhancing product safety, performance, manufacturability, and assembly efficiency by addressing challenges in product design, manufacturing workflows, and assembly processes. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Works with confidential information in regard to manufacturing engineering/projects and patents. • Stays abreast of technological advances regarding automation and works to meet multiple goals and deadlines of projects. • Ensures manufacturing meets production goals while troubleshooting mechanical/operational problems, electrical control programs, and making process adjustments. • Develop and oversee capital project purchase orders while adhering to expenditure approval processes and organizational guidelines. • Responsible for the design and procurement of automation equipment. Works with vendors/suppliers in the design/development and redesign of automation equipment to ensure manufacturing requirements are met, improve quality, improve productivity, and decrease manufacturing process costs. Develops purchase orders for capital projects. • Troubleshoots electronic controls on automated equipment, programs electronic controllers and makes process adjustments. Supports Process Improvement Technicians on high-level maintenance activities. Writes proprietary and non-proprietary company equipment standards and updates the standards, as necessary. • Troubleshoots mechanical and electronic devices/equipment, in the design/redesign and procurement of automation equipment and in writing company equipment standards. Keeps supervisor informed of status of projects, equipment problems and for purchase order approvals beyond this position's purchasing limit. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor's degree in technical or engineering (Mechanical or Electrical) related field of study required - background and/or experience necessary. • Must possess or actively pursue CAD ability. • Must be willing to study manuals and literature on equipment and be willing to attend classes/training on related subjects. • Must possess basic math skills, good attendance, ability to work in a team environment and the ability to follow established work rules and safety procedures. • Must be willing to successfully complete required training as needed. • Ability to model the Company's values of respect for people, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Why Wahl? We are proud to celebrate over 100 years as the standard for grooming products used by barbers and hairdressers all over the world. Professionals and home users have relied on our innovative clippers, trimmers and personal care products for an entire century. Today, the fourth generation of the Wahl Family remains deeply rooted in the daily operations and management of the organization. Living beyond the footsteps of their great-grandfather, the family continues to ensure that everything that Wahl produces aligns with the same core family values. When you work at Wahl, you join a community that is proud of its heritage of excellence and ground-breaking innovations and a company that focuses on creating value for the customer and long-term growth. Perks & Benefits: • BCBSIL Medical coverage offered as low as $14 per week, INCLUDING pharmacy • In & Out-of-network BCBSIL Dental coverage, with orthodontics for as low as $6 per week • In & Out-of-network BCBSIL by EyeMed, Vision coverage, $3 per week for family coverage • Free onsite clinic featuring a Nurse Practitioner, a Physical Therapist, and free lab services • Employer funded health savings account -up to $2000! • Biometric testing with wellness credits • 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with generous company match • Profit Sharing • Tuition Reimbursement program - up to $10,000 per calendar year • Scholarship Program • Daycare discounts • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with legal consultative services and discounts • Company paid Life Insurance • Company paid Short-Term Disability/Long Term Disability • 10 paid holidays per year • Casual work environment #LI-TR1
See More Details >>Lawson Rigging & Fabrication is a Design-Build General Contractor specializing in the completion of process-intense industrial facilities throughout the United States. Our clients include heavy industrial, manufacturing; food-grade processing plants, chemicals, and processing; power and renewable energy; fertilizer facilities, commercial grain facilities, barge loading/unloading facilities, cargo ship loading/unloading facilities. Lawson Rigging and Fabrication is seeking a skilled General Shop Mechanic specializing in heavy equipment, particularly diesel engines. The candidate will need a strong background in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining various types of heavy machinery commonly used in construction. This role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. Responsibilities Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues in heavy equipment, including but not limited to bulldozers, excavators, loaders, graders, and dump trucks. Perform routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks to ensure equipment operates efficiently and reliably. Conduct thorough inspections of machinery to identify potential problems and recommend appropriate repairs or adjustments. Repair or replace faulty components, including engines, transmissions, brakes, and steering systems, using hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment. Test repaired equipment to verify proper functionality and performance, adjusting, as necessary. Follow the manufacturer's specifications and industry standards when performing repairs and maintenance tasks. Document all maintenance and repair activities accurately, including parts usage, labor hours, and equipment condition. Always adhere to safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the safe operation of tools and equipment. Collaborate with Supervisor to prioritize workload and ensure timely completion of tasks. Assist in maintaining a clean and organized work environment, including the shop area and equipment storage areas. Stay current with advancements in heavy equipment technology and participate in training opportunities as needed. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent; technical school training or certification in diesel mechanics preferred. Proven experience as a mechanic working with heavy equipment, with a focus on diesel engines. Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex mechanical issues. Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. Knowledge of diesel engine systems, including fuel injection, turbocharging, and emissions controls. Familiarity with hydraulic and electrical systems commonly found in heavy machinery. Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams. Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team. Valid driver's license Full-Time Position Wages-$22.00-$25.00 per hour Benefits after 90 days probation period Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Time Off Employee Assistance Program Simple IRA after 180 days Physical Demands The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to identify essential functions of a role. As a result, this job requires the employee to climb, stand, bend, squat, kneel, walk, and lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the tasks. Work Environment The employee may be required to wear appropriate PPE equipment. The employee could occasionally be exposed to extreme temperatures, fumes, or airborne particles. The noise level in the workplace is moderate. (PPE available) Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not exhaustive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Additional information:Salary: 22.00-25.00Frequency: Per hourEmployment type: Full-time
See More Details >>JOB DUTIES: Responsible for advancement of blade materials and processes, hair-cutting tool housing materials, and surface finishing selection & development; improves testing and characterization methods, establishes quantitative/qualitative database for materials/process selection, and completes relevant technology landscaping and scouting. Duties: improve blade technology by exploring new hard materials and setting up verification processes; implement innovative materials and technologies into blade design and manufacturing; scout for blade processing technologies like powder injection molding and additive manufacturing; develop and test housing materials and finishes to enhance customer satisfaction; identify emerging trends in housing materials; address material and finish challenges and deliver innovative solutions from concept to production; collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the design process from concept to production; maintain a material and surface finish library for blade and housing applications; research and integrate sustainable materials to align with sustainability goals; grow into an innovation engineer by understanding user needs, connecting with technology trends, and working with teams to prototype new products and processes. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: PhD in Metallurgical or Materials Engineering with a specialization in ceramics/composites/hard materials processing, plus 2 years experience with mechanical/wear applications of hard materials design; processing and characterization of advanced materials, including hard ceramics and composites; test/characterization equipment set-up, systematic experimentation, and results documentation, sharing, and presentation; and nanomaterials technology and surface finishing technology. In lieu of PhD plus two years experience, Master's degree in Metallurgical or Materials Engineering with a specialization in ceramics/composites/hard materials processing, plus 5 years experience with mechanical/wear applications of hard materials design; processing and characterization of advanced materials, including hard ceramics and composites; test/characterization equipment set-up, systematic experimentation, and results documentation, sharing, and presentation; and nanomaterials technology and surface finishing technology. RATE OF PAY: $130,000-135,000 per year WORK CONDITIONS: Full time, 40 hours per week LOCATION: 2900 Locust St, Sterling, IL 61081 DIRECT INQUIRIES TO: Wahl Clipper Corporation, 2900 Locust St, Sterling, IL 61081 Attn: T. Reeder, Talent Acquisition Specialist
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