Title:  Principal Engineer, Manufacturing

Description: 

Location: Onsite

Status Type: Full Time

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
  • A minimum of 12 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a regulated industry (medical device, pharmaceutical, or similar)
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience leading/participating in validation and qualification activities for manufacturing equipment and processes
  • Proven leadership in design and implementation of highly automated assembly lines, including integration of robotics, motion control, and inspection systems
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional project teams and supplier collaborations
  • Experience with high-volume manufacturing (1M+ units annually, less than 1-second cycle time)
  • Strong understanding of automation controls and programming, including Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and data acquisition networks
  • Experience with automated testing, vision inspection, and servo-driven motion platforms
  • Deep understanding of robotic systems (SCARA, Cartesian, and collaborative robots) and industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, OPC-UA)
  • Experience with cleanroom manufacturing (International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Class 8) and contamination control strategies
  • Demonstrated ability to optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), line efficiency, and equipment reliability using Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) methodologies
  • Strong application of Lean manufacturing principles, including value stream mapping, Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), and kaizen leadership

 

Preferred:

  • Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks, Minitab, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience with digital twin technologies or line simulation modeling for capacity and throughput analysis
  • Knowledge of Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) 5, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485, and Title 21 CFR Part 820 for equipment and software validation

 

Skills & Competencies:

  • Expert in equipment design, validation, and lifecycle management, including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ)
  • Advanced skills in process optimization, data analysis, and problem solving
  • Effective communicator with excellent technical writing and presentation skills
  • Strong leadership in supplier management and technical coaching
  • Deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma, process capability analysis (Cp, Cpk, Ppk), and Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
  • Experience leading kaizen events, Design of Experiments (DOE) studies, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) monitoring
  • Understanding of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and automation data connectivity for traceability and performance tracking
  • Adaptability and resilience in dynamic, high-volume manufacturing environments

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time
  • Ability to constantly operate a computer and other office equipment, such as printer, telephone, etc.
  • Ability to work within, crouch, stoop, bend around and potentially underneath equipment for extended periods of time
  • Position requires being physically present on the premises during regular company hours or as approved by management

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead manufacturing equipment specification, design, development, and implementation of fully automated assembly and test equipment
  • Lead troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts to enhance equipment performance, quality, and reliability
  • Lead process validation activities (Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), Performance Qualification (PQ)) and documentation in compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards
  • Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures, training, and qualification documentation
  • Manage relationships with automation suppliers, lead design reviews, and oversee Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs)
  • Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, and efficiency using Lean Six Sigma tools
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership for engineers and technicians
  • Develop and maintain Quality System documentation related to manufacturing processes and equipment
  • Lead cross-functional teams to deliver strategic manufacturing goals on time and within budget
  • Support risk management through Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and other preventive quality tools


Nearest Major Market: Cincinnati