Manufacturing Engineer (local candidates only - Aurora, IL)

Job Description

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Stabilize and improve manufacturing operations by owning process definition, standard work, and data accuracy while driving safe, efficient, and repeatable execution on the shop floor. Enable continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost by applying Lean principles, structured problem solving, and performance management across consumer manufacturing operations. Responsible for the overall site which includes Injection Molding, Extrusion, Drill Fill, Assembly, and Warehouse.
• Develop, validate, and control manufacturing routings within ERP/MES systems, ensuring accurate representation of process flow, standard labor, and work center utilization to support scheduling, costing, and operational performance.
• Establish and maintain robust standard work, work instructions, and packaging instructions, identifying gaps, eliminating tribal knowledge, and driving continuous improvement through structured documentation and validation.
• Develop and present A3 problem‑solving report‑outs and monitor KPIs to drive visibility, accountability, and sustained continuous improvement.
• Develop and continuously improve assembly or general line layouts and create standard work layouts.
• Execute Lean manufacturing principles by leading and supporting initiatives such as SMED, Kaizen, and Gemba walks to improve process.
• Support line performance issues tied to cycle time, labor balance, or material flow by analyzing downtime, scrap, and rework trends and escalating structured countermeasures.
• Act as a technical problem solver during sustained performance gaps while supporting root cause analysis for internal and external quality issues and partnering with Quality on corrective actions.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives related to labor, scrap, packaging, and efficiency losses, including providing data-driven justification for improvement projects and capital investments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering (technical background) strongly preferred.
• 2+ years of relevant experience, ideally working in a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or similar manufacturing environment, including demonstrated progression in technical field. Familiar with manufacturing processes (ideally this includes injection molding and automation within factory and warehouse).
• Ability to work on-site in Aurora, IL, and travel approximately 10% (including global).
• Bilingual English / Spanish preferred.
• Working knowledge of SAP (or relevant ERP) and common manufacturing/quality methods (e.g., SPC) and comfort operating in a performance-management culture.
• Ability to build, monitor, and communicate KPI dashboards/metrics; comfortable using data and statistics to drive accountability and sustained improvements.
• Proven skills analyzing downtime, scrap, and rework trends and translating findings into practical countermeasures that improve cycle time, labor balance, and material flow.
• Strong root-cause analysis and corrective action experience, including partnering with Quality on internal/external quality issues and corrective actions.
• Experience improving line/assembly layouts and creating standard work layouts to support safe, efficient, repeatable operations.
• Hands-on experience supporting multi-area plant operations and driving shop-floor execution. Strong collaboration, conflict management, and influence skills with ability to partner cross-functionally.
• Solid understanding of safety and ergonomic principles; consistently models safe behaviors on the floor.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-MN

We respectfully request that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters refrain from contacting us regarding this position.

Freudenberg Group is a privately held global organization headquartered in Germany. With a presence in 60 countries and a workforce exceeding 50,000 employees, the Freudenberg Group operates across 40 distinct market segments and generates annual sales of more than €11 billion. Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS), also known as Freudenberg Household Products (FHP) in North America, is a company of the Freudenberg Group and consists of two business areas: the consumer business and the professional applications business. In both segments, we drive innovation for cleaning systems, household and laundry care products. In fiscal year 2024, we achieved sales of more than 1.3 billion euros. As part of a family-run group of companies with a history spanning over 175 years, at FHCS we develop products that make places cleaner – and life a little easier. We have a passion for cleaning that drives everything we do.

With our two business divisions, Consumer and Professional, we have a powerful brand portfolio. Since 1948, we have been expanding continuously and are now represented in 35 countries with the products of our nine brands. In the U.S., O-Cedar is our established consumer brand, while in Canada, it’s known as Vileda. Our professional product line is marketed under the Vileda Professional brand.

Since 2003, O-Cedar has been part of our brand portfolio. In the US, our O-Cedar brand has been providing leading cleaning solutions for households for more than 115 years. As the number one brand for floor cleaning products, O-Cedar impresses with innovative bestsellers such as the EasyWring RinseClean Microfiber Spin Mop System and the PowerCorner PetPro Angle Broom. Our portfolio, tailored to the needs of US consumers, combines performance, hygiene, and convenience, making O-Cedar the fastest-growing brand in the US market.

Our company culture is based on six core principles that shape our everyday work:

• Multicultural & International: Our teams are placed in over 30 countries. We bring diverse perspectives from around the globe and form an environment which fosters innovation & success.
• Caring & Belonging: Our organization is supportive, valuing and including everyone. We nurture this sense of belonging and care about each employee.
• Co-Creative & Collaborative: Collaboration is at the heart of our Culture. We believe in co-creating solutions by harn­essing the collective Creativity, Curiosity & Expertise of our team.
• Achieving & Impacting: Our achiever mindset propels us to overcome challenges and consistently reach new levels. Our actions and initiatives are driven by a desire to create positive, lasting impact.
• Open & Approachable: We foster open communication and appro­achability. Our leaders value transparency across the organization, encouraging the sharing of ideas freely.
• Acknowledging & Encouraging: We appreciate the unique strengths that everyone brings to our organization. We en­courage our employees to grow and achieve their personal and professional goals.

At Freudenberg, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. From competitive salaries and health insurance to professional development opportunities and work-life balance initiatives, we are committed to providing a rewarding and supportive work environment. Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.

You should be proficient in:

• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
• Continuous Improvement
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Engineering Degree

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• ERP Software