Principal Manufacturing Engineer
Tarkett•Dalton, GA
•Hybrid
About The Position
The Principal Manufacturing Engineer is a senior engineer and technical leader responsible for providing strategic engineering leadership across the Kraft Drive manufacturing campus. This role drives innovation, process optimization, automation, and capital project execution while establishing engineering standards and best practices that improve safety, quality, reliability, and operational performance. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Production, and Quality to develop long term engineering strategies, lead complex technical initiatives, and support manufacturing excellence through advanced engineering solutions. This position provides leadership through influence, expertise, and collaboration.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering or related field
- 10 to 12 years of progressive engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, with significant experience in process optimization, automation, and capital project execution
- Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering initiatives and cross functional projects within a manufacturing operation
- Strong knowledge of continuous manufacturing process, process improvement methodologies, and manufacturing systems.
- Proven ability to lead large-scale capital projects from concept to implementation
- Strong analytical, problem solving, and project management skills
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross functional teams and senior leadership
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Proven track record leading complex automation or controls projects
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline
- Experience in flooring, textiles, building products, or other continuous manufacturing industries.
- Experience implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Manufacturing, or equivalent operational excellence systems
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification
- Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar professional certification
- Proficient with Microsoft Project or other project management tools
- Experience in CAMs, and/or SAP
- Fluent in Management of Change (MOC) process
Responsibilities
- Provides leadership and direction for the manufacturing campus, providing strategic direction for process engineering, automation, controls, capital projects, and manufacturing technology
- Partner with Plant Leadership and departmental managers to develop and execute engineering strategies that improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, sustainability, and manufacturing costs
- Lead engineering initiatives that optimize flooring manufacturing processes, equipment performance, product quality, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Identify and implement innovative manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and process improvements that enhance operational performance and support long term business objectives
- Lead the planning, design, execution, commissioning, and validation of capital improvement projects from concept through implementation
- Provide technical leadership and oversight for major engineering projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, engineering standards, budgets, and project timelines
- Lead complex troubleshooting efforts and root cause analysis to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, improve process capability, and eliminate recurring manufacturing issues
- Drive continuous improvement initiative utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, World Class Manufacturing (WCM), and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Division Engineering to improve manufacturing capability, support new product introductions, and implement best practices across manufacturing operations
- Evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend equipment modifications, process improvements, and technology investments that improve productivity, quality, sustainability and cost competitiveness
- Develop and maintain engineering specifications, equipment standards, control system architectures, programming standards, and technical documentation to ensure consistency across the campus
- Analyze manufacturing and engineering performance metrics to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and deliver measurable business results
- Serve as a key member of the manufacturing leadership team, collaborating with departmental managers to establish engineering priorities, allocate resources, support operational goals, and drive continuous improvement across the campus
- Coach and develop non-engineering personnel (operations leaders, maintenance, production) in problem-solving methods, process discipline, and productivity practices
Benefits
- Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!
- Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
