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). In this key role, you will focus on early phase concurrent engineering to identify and eliminate process risks. The ideal candidate has proven expertise in implementing and supporting manufacturing processes, bringing new products and processes to market, and continuous improvement. You will collaborate with global cross-functional teams to enhance process knowledge and efficiency, leverage emerging technology, and improve process control and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive early phase NPD planning for the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) function, focusing on process design with tools such as DFM, PFMEA, and critical equipment selection.
• Evaluate, propose, and implement improved manufacturing process planning to deliver consistent site readiness within our global NPD programs.
• Drive global improvements in the DFM process through consistent engagement, training, and improved results.
• Promote cultural improvement in PFMEA and Process Control Plans on a global scale.
• Deliver step improvements in line design concepts and creation – 7 flows.
• Provide early estimates on manufacturing routings and capital requirements.
• Act as a change agent to drive improved communication and alignment between our corporate NPD teams and manufacturing sites, fostering full engagement and concurrent engineering.
• Lead discussions on potential process automation and related product design requirements.
• Track emerging technologies for potential adoption in console manufacturing.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, ensuring all groups are aligned for timely project completion and providing regular presentations of project status across organizational levels.
• Maintain a strategic cross-functional mindset with an understanding of the impact of team decisions across the organization.
• Build and uphold 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’ experience in a manufacturing environment or in New Product Development with demonstrated new product introductions.
• Proven change management skills with the ability to quickly establish credibility, influence project teams, and persuade professionals at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience managing medium to high complexity projects successfully.
• Experience working internationally with factories and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent project management skills, with a strong sense of urgency and proven results.
• Outstanding organizational skills with proficiency in production systems and techniques.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking abilities 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 thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment with adaptability to constant change and competing priorities.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 25-50%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Manufacturing Engineering within Assembly operations, or experience in product design with a proven track record of launching new products.
• Expertise in Assembly error-proofing, controls, and automation.
• Familiarity with risk identification tools, including PFMEA, DFMA, and Process Control Plans.
• Graduate studies in areas such as Project Management, Finance, Business, or Organizational Studies are preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Project.
• Strong understanding of problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, root cause analysis, Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis, control charts, and Pareto charts.