Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Title: Principal Manufacturing Engineer Reports to: Engineering Manager EMEABase: Droitwich Spa Position: Permanent Fulltime onsite Please note that we do not offer 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 AccountabilityLeadership & 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 ForTo 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 SkillsHands-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.