Principal Engineer of Manufacturing Systems (Neptune Platform)

Principal Engineer of Manufacturing Systems (Neptune Platform)

ITM Power

Location: Sheffield

Direct Applications Only - No Agency Applicants at this stage

About ITM Power

ITM is at the forefront of the green hydrogen industry, designing and manufacturing cutting-edge PEM electrolysers that are instrumental in global decarbonisation efforts. With over two decades of scientific expertise, we’ve established ourselves as industry leaders in clean energy technology.

Our Journey and Growth

As pioneers in green hydrogen technology, ITM is offering the most advanced PEM electrolyser technology in the world. Founded in 2000, ITM Power PLC was one of the first companies of its kind to be listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Headquartered in the UK, our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is the world’s first largest PEM Gigafactory in commercial operation, and home to our R&D and manufacturing. ITM Power Germany is our hub in the heart of the EU. This facility not only houses regional functions including business development and engineering, but also our Aftersales services with the ability to quickly deploy stacks.

Innovation and Impact

Our PEM electrolysers are deployed in some of the world's largest green hydrogen projects. We continue to push the boundaries of technology, enhancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Join Our Mission

ITM is in the midst of a transformative phase, focusing on streamlined delivery and operational excellence. We're seeking talented individuals who share our passion for clean energy and our drive to make a tangible impact on the world's transition to net-zero.

You will be working with an inspiring bunch of people, encouraging each other to be the best we can. We’ve come a long way, join us in the next step of our incredible journey!

What are we looking for

We are seeking a visionary Principal Engineer of Manufacturing Systems to lead the development and delivery of cutting-edge production systems for our flagship Neptune Platform. This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll shape the future of hydrogen technology by driving innovation in complex assembly, automation, and manufacturing excellence.

The Principal Engineer is the subject matter expert within the Production Engineering Department who will lead all engineering activities within Platform manufacture from process definition and optimisation right through to functioning mass production capability formed by a lean manufacturing philosophy utilising the latest technologies.

You will define and deliver the Technology Roadmap for the Neptune Platform’s production systems, collaborating closely with design, R&D, operations, and suppliers. Your leadership will ensure our manufacturing capabilities scale with quality, efficiency, and innovation at their core.

The successful candidate will apply their extensive experience within industries such as Automotive, Rail, Heavy Plant manufacture or Oil and Gas, to complex, multi-functional assemblies. You will use your knowledge to guide and advise Design for Manufacture and Assembly activities for optimisation of work and new products.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about advanced manufacturing, automation, and lean systems — someone who thrives on turning complex engineering challenges into scalable, high-performance production lines.

In this leadership role the Principal Engineer will assume full responsibility for the delivery on time, within budget of equipment, machines and systems meeting specifications to the highest industry standards. They will also support ongoing production and grow a capable team with which to further develop local expertise.

As part of the Production Engineering management team this role will be involved in promoting the team vision within the department but also the wider business encompassing purpose statement.

An excellent opportunity to be part of a mission to decarbonise the planet through green hydrogen innovation, work on industry-leading products, lead transformative projects with real-world impact, join a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering culture and enjoy opportunities for global travel and professional growth

Responsibilities

• Create equipment technical specifications for new automated production equipment.
• Manage ITM Power Manufacturing technology roadmap for the Platform Production area.
• Generate Capex business cases, presenting to the Executive in order to realise the manufacturing vision.
• Perform factory and site acceptance tests (FAT and SAT).
• Manage projects from kick off, proof of concept to release to production within budget.
• Manage Gateways tasks and ensure each Gateway deliverable is completed on time.
• Assess and communicate project status, manage escalations on potential risks and delays.
• Become a business expert of manufacturing of ITM Power Platform Systems, the delivery units for our world class, industry leading Electrolyser Stacks while remaining up to date on all industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Develop other team members adopting a coaching or mentoring role.
• Member of the department management team focusing on developing a high-performance culture.
• Managing the area budget

About You

Knowledge and Experience

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline
• Excellent knowledge of heavy assembly processes, procedures and equipment
• An experienced manager and leader of teams delivering varied and complex projects
• Lean Manufacturing, Process Mapping, and PFMEA methodology
• Experience writing equipment technical specifications and performing FAT and SAT
• Statistical knowledge, capability studies and MSA
• Strong drawing interpretation skills and GD&T understanding
• Experience on having led DFM/DFA and lessons learnt activities
• Project management and Risk Management experience
• Experience in comparable engineering roles, preferably in a leadership capacity
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading projects and delivering equipment/production lines
• Expert in the fields of process definition, development, and optimisation
• Proven track record of delivering complete, bespoke production lines both in the UK and Internationally

Skills and Abilities

• Visionary in the area of manufacture with the ability to communicate a clear vision
• Adept in evaluating tasks, prioritisation, and multi-tasking
• Able to evaluate project risks and define strategies to de-risk
• Logical approach and great attention to detail
• Data driven decision maker, problem solver
• Project driven and “milestone adherence” approach
• Ability to communicate at all levels and positively influence internal stakeholders
• Supplier engagement and skilful in escalating at the correct time
• Strong coaching and mentoring, highly supportive and collaborative
• Professional approach
• Continuous improvement culture
• Proactive and excited to make positive changes
• Take pride in your work and always strives to do your best
• High performing and self-motivated individual

What We Offer

The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a rapidly growing industry, within a dynamic environment where you can shape the future of energy and work with a team that’s actively addressing global climate challenges. Our corporate culture values safety, integrity and continuous improvement.

A competitive salary and an excellent contributory pension, 25 days holiday and a wider range of benefits including:

• Buy as you earn (BAYE) share scheme
• Birthday holiday
• Holiday Purchase
• Cycle to work scheme
• Lifestyle Discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan
• Eye Care
• Gym Scheme
• Life assurance
• EV Car Leasing
• Enhanced Parental Leave
• Motor Save Scheme
• Tech Save Scheme
• Our onsite parking includes free electric car charging points

We know your career is important to you, it’s important to us too, which is why we also offer opportunities for you to grow and develop your career. If you are looking to join a growing, dynamic business and want to be part of our amazing team we would love to hear from you.

Our success is driven by the exceptional diversity of our people. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting and creating a diverse and inclusive environment where we encourage our employees to learn and grow, fuelled by mutual respect in a place where ideas flow and thrive.