Manufacturing Engineer at Rensa Filtration, Inc. – Aurora, Illinois

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Position Reports To: Director of Engineering

Department: Engineering & Operations

FLSA: Exempt

Salary Grade: P2

Who is Rensa Filtration?

Rensa Filtration is a family of companies dedicated to air filtration. By investing in innovation and the people who drive it, we manufacture, market, and distribute best-in-class solutions in the United States and Canada that keep environments safe and industries thriving.

What We Do

• We improve the environment - making indoor and outdoor environments cleaner by eliminating process contaminants through superior products and media.
• We drive innovation in air filtration – by investing in the people and companies that develop the solutions that today’s world demands – to bring those innovative products to market so that our customers can bring maximum value and safety to the facilities and businesses they serve.

What you will do:

he Site Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for driving manufacturing excellence, process optimization, and continuous improvement at the site level. This position focuses on ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations through data-driven engineering, lean practices, and cross-functional collaboration.

The engineer will lead process improvement initiatives, support new product introductions and material trials, troubleshoot production issues, and provide technical leadership for manufacturing systems, equipment, and plant layout.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, standard work, and visual management systems.
• Drive Continuous Improvement (CI) culture across all production areas through data-driven problem-solving and employee engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across multiple manufacturing production areas and sites (Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Production) to implement process improvements and resolve bottlenecks.
• Work closely with production, maintenance, supply chain, and product engineering teams to meet site performance goals.
• Collaborate with vendors and contractors to specify, procure, and install new equipment.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, workmanship standards, and standard operating procedures.
• Analyze existing industrial engineering techniques and develop recommendations for changes to working methods that will minimize costs, and waste, increase yields and productivity, and improve the quality and consistency of final products.
• Design and build / procure necessary tooling and finishing within budgets.
• Support equipment upgrades from purchase through installation.
• Conduct cost / benefit analysis for changes to processes and/or equipment.
• Drive Process Improvement / Cycle Reduction initiatives and drive productivity improvements via process changes or improvements.
• Conducts studies to determine the most efficient sequence of operations and workflow and recommends methods for maximum utilization of production facilities and personnel.
• Monitor and report on manufacturing metrics such as scrap rate, throughput, and downtime.
• Assist in the design, development, and testing of products, processes, or systems.
• Collect and analyze data to support engineering decisions and quality investigations.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action efforts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Participate in daily/weekly cross-functional production and engineering sessions and track / drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues.
• Other Accountabilities as Assigned

Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 2-5 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, process engineer within a high-volume or complex production environment.
• Knowledge and experience of manufacturing/operational process(es) and their continuous improvement through application of Lean Manufacturing and/or other proven methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with process troubleshooting, equipment optimization, and industrial automation.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, Quality Management systems and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proficient with computer drawing software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities with cross-functional teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and engineering software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously..

What Rensa provides:

• Paid Time Off
• Health
• Dental
• Vison
• Health Savings Account
• Basic Life / Voluntary Life & AD&D
• Short/Long-Term Disability / Buy-Up Short/Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Cancer Insurance
• Employee Assistant Program
• 100% Paid Parental Leave

Competencies:

• Apply company standards and procedures to resolve routine issues.
• Experience with automation and manufacturing technologies.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with a results-driven mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage change effectively.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily based on-site within a manufacturing plant environment.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments that may include noise, dust, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.
• Must follow all safety protocols and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements while on the production floor.
• Frequent interaction with production, quality, maintenance, and management personnel across sites.
• May involve occasional travel to suppliers or other company sites for project coordination or training.

Note: The above working conditions are subject to change based on company policies and the nature of specific projects or assignments. Any modifications or updates will be communicated in a timely manner.

EEO Statement:

We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Rensa Filtration is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, state or local law.