Manufacturing Engineer (Entry Level)

About This Role

John Deere is hiring Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers to join its production teams at factories that build the world's most recognizable agricultural, construction, and turf equipment. You will work at the intersection of design and production, ensuring that Deere's complex machines are manufactured efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Entry Level)
• Company: John Deere
• Location: Waterloo, IA / Moline, IL / Augusta, GA / Dubuque, IA / Horicon, WI
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (0–2 years)
• Salary Range: $31–$42/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-05-25
• Application Deadline: 2026-06-25

Role Context

John Deere's manufacturing engineers are assigned to specific product lines — such as large ag tractors in Waterloo or compact equipment in Augusta — and are responsible for the processes within their assigned cell or department. New engineers work alongside experienced team leads and are given process ownership within their first six months. Deere has a strong culture of internal promotion and career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain manufacturing process plans, standard work instructions, and control documents
• Support new product introduction by defining assembly sequences and tooling requirements
• Analyze quality data and lead corrective action processes for manufacturing defects
• Identify and lead continuous improvement projects using Deere's Production System (DPS)
• Collaborate with design engineering on engineering change orders and their production impact
• Coordinate with maintenance and tooling teams to reduce unplanned downtime
• Train production operators on updated processes and standard work

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• Coursework or project experience in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or production systems
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Pro/E, or similar)
• Ability to read and create engineering drawings and process documents
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with production floor teams
• US work authorization required

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $31–$42/hr with John Deere performance-based merit increases
• One of the most generous 401(k) matches in US manufacturing — up to 7% company match
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
• John Deere employee equipment purchase and discount program
• Tuition reimbursement and access to Deere's internal learning platform

Who Should Apply

Strong fit for engineering graduates who value long-term career stability, genuine ownership of manufacturing processes early in their careers, and working for a company with strong Midwestern manufacturing culture. John Deere is consistently ranked among the best US employers for engineers, with low turnover and clear advancement paths.

About the Company

John Deere (Deere & Company) is a Fortune 100 manufacturer of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment. With $61 billion in annual revenue and 83,000 employees, Deere operates 30+ US manufacturing plants and invests heavily in precision agriculture and autonomous equipment technologies, creating a mix of traditional and emerging engineering roles.

How to Apply

Apply at John Deere Careers using the link above. Search "Manufacturing Engineer" and filter by entry level. The process includes an online application and assessment, a recruiter phone screen, and a panel interview with manufacturing and HR leaders, often conducted virtually.