Manufacturing Engineer (Entry Level)

About This Role

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is hiring Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers across its 85+ US operating divisions. ITW manufactures fasteners, welding equipment, food equipment, polymers, and industrial components — and its manufacturing engineers are the core of how each division maintains best-in-class product quality and operational efficiency.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Entry Level)
• Company: Illinois Tool Works (ITW)
• Location: Glenview, IL / Appleton, WI / Troy, MI / Elgin, IL
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (0–2 years)
• Salary Range: $29–$40/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-05-25
• Application Deadline: 2026-06-25

Role Context

ITW operates through a highly decentralized model called the ITW Business Model, which gives each of its 85 divisions significant autonomy to run their own manufacturing operations. Entry-level manufacturing engineers at ITW gain ownership quickly — typically managing an entire product line's process within their first year. Division sizes range from 50 to 500 employees, creating a small-company feel with Fortune 200 resources and compensation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and maintain manufacturing processes for the division's core product lines
• Identify and implement the ITW 80/20 simplification methodology to focus on highest-value products and processes
• Lead cycle time reduction, scrap elimination, and capacity improvement projects
• Develop tooling, fixturing, and automation concepts to reduce manual labor content
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action on field returns and internal quality failures
• Work directly with customers on product specification and custom manufacturing requirements
• Support capital investment justifications for new equipment or process improvements

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• Strong fundamentals in machining, forming, welding, or assembly depending on assigned division
• Comfort with data analysis and manufacturing metrics
• Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision — ITW values self-directed engineers
• Good communication skills for customer-facing and cross-functional interaction
• US work authorization required

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $29–$40/hr with ITW annual incentive plan and merit increases
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer-paid premiums
• 401(k) with company match and ITW employee stock purchase plan
• Tuition reimbursement and ITW-sponsored technical training programs
• Paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements where applicable

Who Should Apply

ITW suits engineers who want early autonomy, clear ownership, and the satisfaction of seeing their process decisions directly reflected in product quality and plant profitability. The 80/20 business model means engineers learn to prioritize ruthlessly and deliver measurable results — a skill that pays dividends throughout an engineering career. Strong fit for graduates who are self-motivated and prefer action over approval chains.

About the Company

Illinois Tool Works is a Fortune 200 diversified industrial manufacturer with $15 billion in annual revenue and 43,000 employees. Its 85 divisions span welding (Miller Electric, Hobart), food equipment (Hobart, Vulcan), construction products, and automotive components. ITW has increased its dividend for 50+ consecutive years — a mark of operational discipline that flows directly from its manufacturing engineering teams.

How to Apply

Apply at itw.com/careers. Each ITW division recruits independently, so search for the division that matches your product interest (e.g., Miller Electric for welding, Hobart for food equipment). The process is division-specific but typically includes a phone screen and 1–2 interview rounds at the division plant.