Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Title: Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Reports to: Engineering Manager EMEA

Location: Droitwich Spa

Position: Permanent Full‑time on‑site

Note: This role does not offer sponsorship.

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.

• 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.

• 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 (Solid Works, AutoCAD) and engineering documentation systems. Understanding of fabrication, welding, structural steel, and…