Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineering Intern

Department: Continuous Improvement and Engineering Department

Reports To: Continuous Improvement Specialist

Status: Part-Time

Established in June 1986 as a jointly-held venture between Caterpillar and Donaldson Company, Advanced Filtration Systems Inc. (AFSI), manufactures liquid filters using automated, computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) techniques. Highly automated production techniques enable AFSI to manufacture filters of the highest quality that are used in Caterpillar fuel, oil and hydraulic applications. Come join our engineering team right here in Champaign!

Pay Rate: $20.00/hour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Continuous Improvement

• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Apply Lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies (such as 5S) to streamline processes and reduce waste.
• Assists in planning and implementation of 5S (area assessment and document optimization…etc.)
• Analytical skills to evaluate processes and identify opportunities for improvement
• willingness to actively engage with existing processes to identify areas for optimization.
• Work on continuous improvement projects under the guidance of senior team members.
• Works in a safe manner, following all safety policies and procedures while keeping in mind other’s safety as well.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Current enrollment in an accredited higher education program pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related discipline. Also open to recent graduates.

Minimum 3.0 out of a 4.0 cumulative GPA

Availability to work 16-40 hours per week in-person during the Spring 2025 semester (January or February through May 2025).

Desired Qualifications:

Coursework in IT, quality, or manufacturing engineering. Interested in manufacturing and production. Strong mechanical aptitude. Motivated, self-starter individual. Preference given to those near graduation.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, and feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Advanced Filtration Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.