Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join our Corporate OpEx team to drive advancement and innovation in our manufacturing processes within New Product Delivery (NPD). This is a key role focused on early phase concurrent engineering to identify and eliminate process risks. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in implementing and supporting manufacturing processes, bringing new products and processes to market, and CI process improvement. You will collaborate with global cross-functional teams to enhance process knowledge and efficiency, leverage proven and emerging technology, and improve process control and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive early phase NPD planning for Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) function focused on process design leveraging DFM, PFMEA and critical equipment selection tools.
• Evaluate, propose, and implement improved manufacturing process planning to deliver consistent site readiness within our global NPD programs.
• Drive global improvements in DFM process through consistent engagement, training, and improved results.
• Drive cultural improvement in PFMEA and Process Control Plans globally.
• Deliver step improvement in line design concepts and creation - 7 flows.
• Provide early estimates on manufacturing routings and capital requirements.
• Be a change agent driving improved communication and alignment between our corporate NPD teams and manufacturing sites, with an end goal of full engagement and concurrent engineering.
• Lead discussions and consideration for potential process automation and related product design requirements.
• Track emerging technologies for consideration and adoption within console manufacturing.
• Communicate, both verbally and in writing, to ensure all groups are working toward the goal of timely project completion; regularly present project status for various levels of the organization.
• Maintain a strategic cross-functional mindset and understand how team decisions will impact the entire organization.
• Build and maintain a culture anchored on Milwaukee's core values: Candid | Obsessed | Speed, Agility, and Urgency | Never Settle, Always Improving | Empowered leaders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or Engineering Technology, or equivalent years of directly related experience.
• Minimum 5–10 years related experience in a manufacturing environment or working in New Product Development with demonstrated new product introductions.
• Effective change manager with proven ability to quickly establish credibility with different business units, influence project teams, and persuade professionals at all levels.
• Proven experience successfully managing medium to high complexity projects.
• Experience with international work, factories, and teams.
• Excellent project management skills with demonstrated results and a strong sense of urgency.
• Excellent organizational skills and knowledge of production systems and techniques.
• Demonstrated excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to understand and analyze complex business processes.
• Understanding of line design, manufacturing and lean principles and tools, as well as process and material flow strategies.
• Experience with 3D product and process modeling software.
• Ability to handle a fast-paced and agile culture, adapting to constant change and competing priorities.
• Travel (domestic and international) will be required up to 25–50%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Manufacturing Engineering in Assembly operations, or experience in product design with proven success launching new products.
• Experience in Assembly error-proofing, Controls, and Automation.
• Experience with risk identification tools: PFEMA, DFMA, Process Control Plans.
• Graduate studies preferred in business areas such as Project Management, Finance, Business, or Organizational Studies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite – including MS Project.
• Thorough understanding of problem-solving methodologies used in determining root cause and formulating corrective actions (e.g., 8D, root cause analysis, Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis, control charts, Pareto charts).