Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Engineer, Principal Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Principal Engineer is a senior technical expert within Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, the company's enterprise engineering function. The role brings deep expertise in machining to sites across the network, with a focus on getting new work and transfers right the first time, solving the technical problems sites cannot solve alone, and building engineering standards and methods that make every site stronger.

This is an enterprise role, not a site role. Success is measured by results that last after the engineer steps away: better launches, smoother transfers, fewer recurring production problems, and site teams that are more capable than before.

Primary Responsibilities

• Review new products and quotes for manufacturability before the company commits, identifying process risks, capability gaps, and cost drivers so they are understood and priced up front.
• Assess manufacturing engineering capacity and technical capability at assigned sites with site and Operations leaders; recommend priorities, resource needs, and development actions.
• Lead a defined portfolio of manufacturing improvements across assigned sites, from opportunity selection through implementation, measured results, and handoff to site ownership.
• Assess readiness of new and transferred products before validation and before release to production, confirming that processes, tooling, and documentation are proven rather than assumed.
• Lead technical assessments for product transfers between sites, including process capability, equipment fit, and the work required at the receiving site.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, methods, and best practices in the area of expertise, and support their adoption across sites.
• Lead root-cause problem solving on high-impact technical issues, then hand off ongoing ownership to site teams with clear actions, owners, and dates.
• Support targeted, time-bound intervention on enterprise priority programs, building site capability while engaged.
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and automation opportunities, and provide technical input to capital decisions.
• Coach and mentor site engineers, and serve as a technical resource for engineering leaders across the network.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Program Management, and Commercial teams; work with customers and suppliers on technical requirements as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Materials, or related engineering field; advanced degree a plus.
• 12+ years of manufacturing engineering experience, with recognized depth in machining.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing (medical device, aerospace, or similar) preferred.
• Strong command of process development, process capability, measurement systems, GD&T, and design for manufacturability.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical methods.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM and relevant simulation or analysis tools for the domain.
• Proven ability to lead without direct authority and influence across multiple sites and functions.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including presenting to site and executive leadership.
• U.S. Citizen, green card holder or other authorization under ITAR.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Advanced knowledge of the Lean and Six Sigma principles and Theory of Constraints.
• Working knowledge of computer software such as Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Advanced knowledge of basic metallurgy, automation, heat treat methods, machining methods, finishing, polishing, material handling, forging process, basic machine design and metal fabrication.
• Knowledge of drafting/CAD and CAM.
• Capable to read blueprints and knowledge of GD&T.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good verbal and written skills.
• Ability to explain how and why specific conclusions were reached.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Other Requirements

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.   

Travel Requirements

Up to 50%

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.