Job Description:

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Lake Forest, IL

Who are we

The Global Tool Unit (GTU) are a part of ITW’s Construction Segment. We specialize in innovation, development, and manufacturing best-in-class nailers for the global construction market. Our highly differentiated tools are specified to be used in a variety of applications including wood framing, wood trim, and steel to concrete installations. We place strong emphasis on Customer Back Innovation because we know our customers’ time is valuable, and shortcuts are never an option. That is why we designed our nailers to be faster, more durable and more reliable.  We know your business depends on it.

ITW is a Fortune 200 diversified manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related service businesses. ITW businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets. The company has operations in 58 countries that employ approximately 50,000 women and men who adhere to the highest ethical standards. These talented individuals, many of whom have specialized engineering or scientific expertise, contribute to our global leadership in innovation. You may see ITW trademarks and goods everywhere, from well-known ones like RainX, Miller Welding, and Traulsen to the development of cutting-edge items like the 6-pack beverage carrier and the Capless Fuel Filler. We are proud of our broad portfolio of nearly 12,000 active patents.

The GTU currently has 34 tools in the global market that consist of complex mechanical components, combustibles and metal coated materials. Along with an on-site Machine Shop and Tool Validation, we have two production facilities and two engineering development centers. Are you a seasoned Mechanical Engineer looking to expand your knowledge and become a mentor to other fellow engineers? ITW’s Global Tool Unit might be the place for you!

 

What you’ll be doing:

Design with Impact: Lead new product development projects and participate in the design and development of cordless and pneumatic power fastening tools primarily used for wood and concrete applications.

Build the Future: Initiate concept designs based on customer feedback, communicating those designs to other team members and developing those designs on 3D CAD. Utilizing feedback from team members and external customers to adapt and improve product design to meet development objectives.

Innovation: Evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes, while driving improvements in design tools, workflows, and standards. Championing sustainability and reliability in mechanical design practices.

Own the Process: Responsible for all aspects of the design, layout (design integration), evaluation and documentation of electro-mechanical devices or systems used on power fastening systems.

Find the Perfect Fit: Manage the production of prototypes, test units and subsequent manufacturing and testing to meet quality standards and planned schedules for delivery within target cost parameters.

Collaborate and Support: Contribute to setting project team priorities and engage in product design activity aimed at meeting defined schedule, marketing and manufacturing requirements by applying engineering expertise, technical creativity and problem-solving skills. Partnering with Electrical, Simulation, Quality, Validation & Verification, and manufacturing teams for integrated product development. Interfacing with industrial design, product management, and supply chain teams and supporting supplier engagement, DFM/DFT efforts, and production ramp-up.

Document and Deliver: Recommend, implement, and track performance of design modifications to eliminate product or system malfunctions.

Drive Results: Perform critical analysis on designs (DFMEA, Design of Experiments, T-stack, Serviceability). Communicate design requirements to other team members and evaluate designs to ensure project trajectory is consistent with product specifications. Manage design documentation, BOMs, and change control processes, ensuring timely delivery of mechanical design milestones.

Lead with Purpose: Lead design reviews, FMEA, DVP&R, and root cause analysis sessions, while owning the full mechanical design lifecycle from concept to production release. Ensuring designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and compliance standards.

What You bring to the Table:

A Passion for Innovation: You have affinity with electro- mechanical equipment and are eager to engineer creative, real-world solutions.

Professional Curiosity: You have a high level of attention, you are meticulous with your work, demonstrating an ability to thoroughly review and analyze data, detect errors and ensure all work is accurate and error-free, raising attention when needed.

Problem Solver by Nature: You think critically, manage your time well, and thrive when tackling technical challenges head-on.

Detail-Oriented & Precise: Your work is accurate, clear, and built to perform—engineering judgement combined with solid engineering.

Flexible & Focused: You stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly to shifting priorities and requirements, and deliver on tight deadlines.

Strong Communicator: You are experienced in cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to industrialize new products. Exposure to project management and technical leadership is a plus.

Leadership & Mentorship: You are looking to become a mentor and guide fellow engineers in technical execution, while promoting a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.

Driven & Organized: You are self-motivated, take initiative, and know how to keep projects moving.

Skilled in CAD: You have experience with CAD Design/Modeling tools (preferred Pro/Engineer CREO-4) and are comfortable using Microsoft Office tools.

Technical Skills: You prefer a hands-on approach with experience in Finite Element Analysis, Statics & Dynamics, Experience in MATLAB /numerical computing tools preferred, Strength of materials(metallurgy), heat treatment, coatings and exposure to manufacturing processes that may include plastic injection, stamping, aluminum casting, machining, MIM. Advanced understanding of statistical tools such as FRD, DOE, COV, SPC, Gage R&R, Root cause analysis.

Educated & Experienced: You hold a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, with 8+ years of relevant product design and development experience, and 2+ years in a project leadership role

What You’ll Get:

An open, inclusive working environment with short communication lines.

Opportunities for growth in responsibilities.

Access to courses and personal development opportunities.

Competitive salary and world class benefits and a fantastic 401k.

An international working environment.

The chance to work on cutting-edge best in class products.

Interested?

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now and join us on being part of a team shaping the future of ITW’s Global Tool Unit.

Additional information

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, within typical office working conditions.  While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, climate variances and moving mechanical equipment typically found in a manufacturing environment.  The noise level in the work environment (office) is usually low, but much higher when exposed to the manufacturing areas.  Certain personal protective equipment is required when in the manufacturing areas.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  

Compensation Information:

Pay Range: $99,750.00 - $135,000.00

Our employees enjoy competitive, merit-based salaries, plus excellent benefits including:

Health, dental, and vision insuranceCompany paid life insurance/short- and long-term disability401k plan with generous company matchVacation, sick days, and holidaysContinuing education reimbursement programFlexible Spending Accounts

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.