Engineering & Maintenance Manager

Engineering & Maintenance Manager Location: Antioch, IL / Onsite

Lead Lean transformation and equipment optimization for a growing manufacturing operation.

Fischer Paper Products is seeking an experienced Engineering & Maintenance Manager to drive reliability, performance, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations. This role leads Lean manufacturing initiatives, equipment reliability strategies, and process optimization while guiding engineering and maintenance teams in a fast-paced production environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong continuous improvement expertise, technical leadership, and a proactive approach to asset management, partnering closely with Production and Operations to increase uptime, efficiency, product quality, and sustainable operational growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of engineers and technicians focused on safe, efficient operation, maintenance, and upgrades of equipment.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across maintenance and engineering functions.
• Implement and manage predictive and preventative maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and improve line performance.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives to eliminate recurring equipment and process issues.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Bills of Materials, and production standards to support consistent, high-quality manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Production and Operations to support process improvements, ensuring smooth, efficient, and on-spec production.
• Lead innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies, Lean/Six Sigma methods, and automation to enhance operations.
• Key contributor when evaluating expansions and new technology introductions to the company.

Core Competencies

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Champions Lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction, and operational excellence.
• Communication: Clearly communicates technical and operational information while building strong cross-functional relationships.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with Production, Quality, and Operations teams to achieve shared goals.
• Service Orientation: Focuses on meeting internal and external customer needs through reliable operations.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and adjusts quickly to operational changes.
• Technical Expertise: Maintains strong engineering knowledge and keeps pace with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Leadership Competencies

• Leading Others: Serves as an advocate, coach, and servant leader focused on employee development, collaboration, and performance management.
• Leading the Organization: Acts as a strategic advisor driving change management, operational improvements, risk management, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required (MBA or Master’s in Engineering Management preferred).
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in engineering and maintenance.
• 5+ years in printing and converting manufacturing.

Demonstrated expertise in:

• Lean manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma
• Continuous improvement initiatives
• Preventative and predictive maintenance programs
• Equipment installation, reliability engineering, and automation
• Root cause analysis and problem solving
• Experience managing budgets, capital projects, and technical teams.
• Experience in the paper or flexographic printing industry preferred.

At Fischer Paper Products, we value continuous improvement, collaboration, and empowering technical teams to solve problems and innovate. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.