In partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the Center for Advanced Design, Research and Exploration (CADRE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is seeking qualified candidates for the Visiting IMEC Technical Specialist positions.

These are visiting positions, with an annual renewable appointment (in accordance with university policy), subject to performance and continued availability of IMEC funding.

IMEC, a non-profit economic development organization, was established in 1996 to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Illinois' small and mid-sized manufacturing firms. Experienced staff based at office locations throughout Illinois provide hands-on technical assistance and consulting services to help manufacturers innovate, contain manufacturing costs, streamline processes, and increase profits. They roll up their sleeves and get to know all facets of the business, providing solutions in areas ranging from process optimization to product innovation, quality improvement to technology integration. For more information on IMEC, please visit www.imec.org.

The IMEC Technical Specialist initiates and maintains relationships with manufacturers, assesses their challenges and opportunities, supports IMEC consulting teams by helping manufacturing clients optimize their performance, and sells IMEC’s manufacturing improvement capabilities and resources. 

1. Provide direct consultation to manufacturers within their own area of expertise.

2. Prepare proposals and deliver sales presentations to potential clients.

3. Manage and oversee the project engagement activities for potential clients.

4. Develop and manage subcontractors.

5. Participate on IMEC’s service development and process improvement teams

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) with emphasis in Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, Marketing, Human Resources, Consulting and/or Business Management. Three years of experience working with manufacturing companies with a career progression that includes leadership responsibility. Proven ability to lead companies down a path of continuous improvement. Demonstrated capacity to diagnose company needs and effectively communicate IMEC’s value to all levels of the company from production personnel to top management. Experience in providing services in one or more of the following areas: strategic marketing, information technology, strategic and operational planning, lean manufacturing & waste reduction, plant layout, process optimization, product development, quality systems, Six Sigma, and supply chain development. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Position requires tact and diplomacy in dealing with manufacturers, professional associations, government stakeholder agency representatives and consultants. Demonstrated ability to synthesize and present highly technical data succinctly to nontechnical business executives, and interact effectively with all levels of manufacturing organization. Must have good computer skills and be a strong written and verbal communicator. Position requires up to 100% travel to remote manufacturing facilities across the state. This position has a lifting requirement of up to 70 pounds. Applicants must be capable of accessing manufacturing facilities which may not be ADA accessible. For fullest consideration, please apply by 6/6/22.