Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of engineers while optimising manufacturing processes.
  • Company: Join Armstrong Fluid Technology, a global leader in fluid-flow innovation.
  • Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects and contribute to sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and hands-on experience in manufacturing required.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

Reports to: Engineering Manager EMEA

Location: Droitwich Spa

Position: Permanent Full‑time on‑site

Note: This role does not offer sponsorship.

About Us

Armstrong Fluid Technology is a global leader in fluid‑flow innovation, operating eight manufacturing facilities worldwide with over 1,400 colleagues. We design and manufacture products that make a lasting difference for our customers and the planet.

Responsibilities

  • 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. Support capability building through training and coaching.
  • Process Design and Improvement: Develop, validate, and optimise manufacturing processes in line with 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 PFMEAs and implement process control plans. Optimise plant‑room build processes through standardisation and support the advancement of modular build methodologies. Manage jigs, fixtures, and tooling enhancements to improve efficiency.
  • 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 hand‑over between design and production. Ensure full compliance with 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 QA to close 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 hand‑over, ensuring manufacturability and quality readiness. Manage timelines, deliverables, and resources within assigned projects.
  • 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. 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 NPI to ensure seamless transition from design to full‑scale product. Establish and manage project timelines, resource plans, and budgets. Engage and collaborate with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.

Qualifications

  • Education & Experience: Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or equivalent. Extensive hands‑on experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably within process plant, HVAC, modular build, or capital equipment environments. Proven track record of leading small technical teams and 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. 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.

Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: Manufacturing, Product Management, and Engineering

Industry: HVAC and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

Principal Manufacturing Engineer employer: Armstrong Fluid Technology

Armstrong Fluid Technology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Droitwich Spa where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a talented team while driving impactful manufacturing processes. Our culture promotes collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to quality, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our mission of creating lasting solutions for our customers and the planet.
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Contact Detail:

Armstrong Fluid Technology Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Manufacturing Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Armstrong Fluid Technology on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Principal Manufacturing Engineer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of DFMA, PFMEA, and Lean principles. We want to see you shine, so practice explaining how you've applied these in past roles!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership style during interviews. Share examples of how you've mentored teams and driven continuous improvement. We love candidates who can inspire and lead others!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Armstrong Fluid Technology.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Leadership and Team Development
Process Design and Improvement
DFMA Principles
PFMEA
Root Cause Analysis
Lean Manufacturing
Quality Control Systems
Project Management
CAD Tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
Manufacturing Documentation
Data-Driven Insights
Communication Skills
HSE Compliance
Technical Support
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Manufacturing Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience, technical skills, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about manufacturing engineering and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Armstrong Fluid Technology. Be sure to mention specific examples that demonstrate your expertise.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving abilities. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, especially those related to process improvement or team leadership. We love seeing a data-driven mindset in action!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Armstrong Fluid Technology

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to manufacturing processes, DFMA principles, and Lean methodologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you’ve applied these concepts in real-world scenarios.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others or led projects in the past. Highlight your hands-on leadership style and how you motivate your team to achieve project objectives.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of instances where you've used root-cause analysis or 8D methodologies to tackle challenges. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research Armstrong Fluid Technology and their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

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