About IMEC
What is IMEC?
IMEC, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, is "a team of improvement specialists dedicated to providing manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally." It was established in 1996 as a not-for-profit organisation funded through NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), gained 501(c)(3) status in 1998 and, until 2013, was called the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center. Its specialists help manufacturers lead their companies, plan for success, grow their business, improve operations, develop their people and make decisions with data, with projects that range from continuous improvement and supply chains to digital technologies and workforce training. For 2025, IMEC's clients reported 6,871 jobs created and retained, 3,742 companies assisted and more than $905 million of aggregate impact, and it puts its return on investment at more than 19:1.
Where will I work?
Mostly from home and at clients' plants, anywhere in Illinois. Every current posting opens with "MUST RESIDE IN ILLINOIS" and describes a "field-based work environment with work conducted from a home office when not onsite at client facilities", with frequent travel around the state. "Many of our roles offer the flexibility to work remotely with autonomy, while remaining readily accessible to meet the needs of our clients," the careers page says. Of the four roles open in September 2026, three are listed as Chicago (hybrid) and one as Peoria (remote). IMEC's headquarters are at 801 W Main Street in Peoria, and it lists offices in Carbondale, Peoria, Chicago, Rockford and DeKalb; its partner organisations include Bradley University, Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois Chicago. Driving is an essential part of the field roles, and postings note that client facilities may not be ADA accessible.
What is the IMEC team like?
"More than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide", in IMEC's words. Its team page lists technical specialists alongside client engagement, client solutions, organisational support and marketing staff. Its core values are Integrity, Results Driven, Agility, Collaboration, Learning and Passion. Postings ask for a bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in manufacturing or related work, and describe the appeal plainly: "IMEC team members enjoy their jobs because of the challenge in working with a variety of organizations in a broad range of industries." IMEC launched Made in Chicago, a hub for locally sourced manufacturing, in 2014; published a book, Made in Illinois: A Modern Playbook for Manufacturers to Compete and Win, in 2021; and formed a strategic partnership with the Illinois Manufacturers' Association in 2022.
Work-Life Balance
The leave is generous for a US employer: "5 weeks of PTO to start, with increased accrual based on years of service", plus "10 paid holidays plus an annual year-end organizational closure" — at least 35 days off a year before the year-end closure, on every current posting. Working from home between client visits gives day-to-day autonomy. The work itself can be demanding: frequent in-state travel, several client engagements at once, and postings warn that "extended hours and weekend work may be required".
Perks and Benefits
- 5 weeks of PTO to start, rising with years of service
- 10 paid holidays plus an annual year-end organisational closure
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Up to 8% employer 401(k) match
- Company-paid life, AD&D and disability coverage
- A year-end incentive bonus based on organisational and individual performance
- Educational opportunities
- Home-based work between client visits