Principal Manufacturing Engineer
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Title: Principal Manufacturing Engineer
Reports to: Engineering Manager EMEA
Base: Droitwich Spa
Position: Permanent Fulltime onsite
Please note that we do not offer sponsorships or any future required Sponsorships
About Us:
Join Armstrong Fluid Technology, a global leader in fluid-flow innovation with over 1,400 colleagues across eight manufacturing facilities worldwide. At Armstrong, we don’t just design and manufacture products. We engineer solutions that make a lasting difference for our customers and the planet.
We’re seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining manufacturing processes that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and maximize profitability. This individual will lead a small team of 2–4 Manufacturing Engineers, overseeing product and process readiness while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including Design, Quality, and Production to ensure that manufacturing systems are robust, efficient, and aligned with the company’s operational goals.
This is a hands-on leadership role, combining technical process ownership with active, on-the-job engagement to deliver safe, lean, and sustainable manufacturing outcomes across modular and capital equipment builds.
Job Accountability
Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of Manufacturing Engineers, ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, and company goals.
- Act as the primary technical lead for process development and improvement initiatives.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the Manufacturing Engineering function.
- Support capability building through training, coaching, and active involvement in production problem-solving.
Process Design and Improvement:
- Develop, validate, and optimise manufacturing processes in line with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles.
- Create detailed process flows, work instructions, and in-process inspection checklists for new product introductions and continuous improvement of existing projects.
- Lead and facilitate Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEAs) and implement process control plans to prevent defects and enhance reliability.
Hands-On Production Support:
- Provide day-to-day technical support to production teams, resolving build challenges and identifying root causes of performance issues.
- Lead build reviews and shop floor improvement sessions to ensure seamless handover between design and production.
- Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards and promote safe working practices throughout the facility.
- Drive standard work adoption through development and deployment of visual standards, SOPs, and work instructions.
Quality and Continuous Improvement:
- Implement and maintain robust quality control systems to ensure product conformity and reliability.
- Lead structured problem-solving using 8D and root cause analysis methodologies.
Cost, Efficiency, and Project Management:
- Lead cost-reduction and waste elimination initiatives using Lean principles.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing plans, BOM structures, and routings for new and existing products.
- Coordinate engineering from concept to production handover, ensuring manufacturability and quality readiness.
- Manage timelines, deliverables, and resources within assigned projects, ensuring cross-functional alignment.
Documentation & Governance:
- Maintain accurate and current manufacturing documentation including process flows, control plans, SOPs, and BOMs.
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and internal QMS requirements.
- Report on key manufacturing metrics (OEE, quality, yield, cost performance) and recommend corrective actions where required.
- Support audits, validations, and customer visits by providing technical and process documentation.
Project Management:
- Lead and manage complex manufacturing and product development projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational strategies.
- Develop and implement structured methodologies for New Product Introduction (NPI) to ensure a seamless transition from design to full-scale production.
- Establish and manage project timelines, resource plans, and budgets to successfully execute business-critical initiatives.
- Engage and collaborate with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders to drive projects to completion, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget constraints.
What We’re Looking For
To thrive in this role, you should bring:
Education & Experience:
- Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or equivalent technical qualification.
- Extensive hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably within process plant, HVAC, modular build, or capital equipment environments.
- Proven track record leading small technical teams or mentoring junior engineers.
- Working knowledge of PLM/PDM/ERP systems and BOM generation processes.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and engineering documentation systems.
- Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, structural steel, and electro-mechanical assembly.
- Experience defining and deploying standard work, visual factory tools, and training modules.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a data-driven mindset.
- Understanding of QMS and regulatory frameworks (ISO 9001, CE/UKCA).
Leadership Skills
- Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and motivational ability.
- Proven capacity to influence and collaborate across functions (Design, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain).
- Focused on delivering results through people, process discipline, and technical excellence.
Why Armstrong Fluid Technology?
By joining us, you’ll become part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fluid-flow technology. You’ll have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a significant impact on the world. Together, we'll build tomorrow’s solutions today.