Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Title: Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Reports to: Engineering Manager EMEA

Position: Based in Droitwich Spa / Fulltime onsite

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.

Job Accountability

We're seeking a 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.

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.
• Optimise plant room build processes through standardisation and support the advancement of modular build methodologies.
• Manage the design, manufacture, and maintenance of jigs and fixtures, recommending tooling enhancements to improve efficiency and reduce cost.
• Design efficient process layouts and apply line balancing strategies to maximise productivity and minimise waste.

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.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to close Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) effectively and prevent recurrence.
• Use data-driven insights to drive corrective actions and elevate manufacturing performance.

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.
• Strong background in DFMA, PFMEA, process control plans, and Lean manufacturing.

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.