Principal OpEx Engineer - Grand Rapids, MI

Medtronic • Grand Rapids, MI

5d

About The Position

At Medtronic you can begin a life-long career of exploration and innovation, while helping champion healthcare access and equity for all. You’ll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate world. A Day in the Life We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 1 February 2026. In this exciting role as a Principal Operational Excellence Engineer, you will serve as a key leader driving transformative process improvements and operational excellence initiatives at our manufacturing site. You’ll collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, R&D, Strategic Sourcing, Packaging, and other cross-functional partners to optimize end-to-end processes and deliver exceptional results. As a subject matter expert in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies, you will lead high-impact projects that enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency across the organization. You’ll mentor and guide teams in developing and implementing best-in-class operational strategies, facilitate structured problem-solving sessions, and serve as a catalyst for a culture of continuous improvement. You will play a critical role in developing and deploying advanced manufacturing and business process improvement techniques, such as Business Process Management, Kaizen, DMAIC, Value Stream Mapping, Lean manufacturing, PDCA, and Six Sigma. Your expertise will support the development and execution of validation strategies, process mapping, and implementation of scalable and compliant manufacturing solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR PhD with 3 years relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Operational Excellence, or Process Improvement roles
• Experience with GDP/GMP and validation planning/execution
• Advanced process mapping and control plan generation skills
• Ability to review and update technical drawings
• Experience creating FMEAs and conducting statistical analysis (e.g., Minitab)
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks
• Experience with Agile Map and SAP
• Strong background in supplier engagement and support
• Previous experience in the medical device industry and with 13485/FDA requirements
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt), or PMP

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the development and deployment of lean manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assembly, equipment installation, processing, and material handling.
• Partner with suppliers and facilities teams to optimize equipment and machine layouts for maximum efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Manufacturing teams to define the sequence of operations and specify procedures impacting product performance.
• Oversee adaptation of equipment design and manufacturing processes to align with factory conditions and business goals.
• Ensure inspection and test requirements are integrated into production control plans in collaboration with Quality Engineering and suppliers.
• Analyze the performance of equipment, tools, and processes, initiating corrective actions to address deficiencies and ensure product quality.
• Apply manufacturability analysis and Gage RR Statistics to ensure processes are robust, scalable, and capable.
• Ensure all processes and procedures meet applicable regulatory requirements (21 CFR 820, ISO 13485).

Benefits

• Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
• A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values.
• We recognize their contributions.
• They share in the success they help to create.
• We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
• Health, Dental and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability leave
• Dependent daycare spending account
• Tuition assistance/reimbursement
• Simple Steps (global well-being program)
• Incentive plans
• 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match
• Short-term disability
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums)
• Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).
• Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees