Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Title:

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Reports to:

Engineering Manager EMEA

Position:
Based in Droitwich Spa / Fulltime onsite

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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Lead and…