Director of Industrial Engineering

Antioch's manufacturing sector shows growing demand for seasoned industrial engineering leaders. Competition remains moderate as companies increasingly seek directors who blend strategic foresight with hands-on operational expertise, especially those experienced in heavy manufacturing environments.

Certifications like Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, and advanced ERP/MES training are highly regarded locally. They signal mastery in process optimization and project leadership, key for directing complex manufacturing operations in regions like Antioch, IL.

Daily focus often revolves around aligning production capacity with market demand, leading cross-site efficiency projects, and mentoring engineering teams. Directors also strategize on integrating advanced analytics and manufacturing systems to enhance throughput and reduce costs.

Exceptional directors excel in cross-functional collaboration, strategic planning, and change management across multiple manufacturing sites. They drive continuous improvement cultures and balance technical depth with people leadership, setting them apart from standard management roles.

Career progression often leads to executive roles like VP of Operations or Chief Engineering Officer. With expertise in scalable manufacturing and operational excellence, directors can pivot into broader strategic leadership positions within industrial firms.

The company emphasizes blending strategic foresight with practical leadership, encouraging innovation in manufacturing systems and fostering operational excellence across sites. This approach helps drive demand responsiveness and sustainable scale within complex job-shop environments.

This role demands close partnership with sales and plant leadership to synchronize production with customer orders, plus stewardship of advanced simulation and analytics platforms. The emphasis on mentoring and building engineering capabilities across multiple sites also sets it apart.

Salaries for this role typically range from $130,000 to $175,000 annually in Antioch, reflecting the high level of expertise required in heavy manufacturing leadership. Compensation varies based on experience, company size, and specific operational responsibilities.

Managing short lead times and custom orders demands nimble scheduling and validated simulation models. Directors must balance resource constraints while ensuring real-time data integrity to keep operations aligned with fluctuating market requirements.

Keeping pace with innovations enables leaders to implement cutting-edge tools that enhance process efficiency and competitiveness. In manufacturing hubs like Antioch, this technological agility supports continuous improvement and positions companies ahead of local industry trends.