Drive the Future of Manufacturing Innovation
Are you passionate about bringing new products to life and building world-class manufacturing processes? We are seeking a Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (AME) to play a critical role in launching innovative products, advancing automation, and driving operational excellence across our manufacturing network.
In this highly visible role, you will lead the development and execution of capital equipment and manufacturing process projects that support New Product Introduction (NPI), productivity improvements, and cost optimization initiatives. As a key bridge between product development and factory operations, you will help shape manufacturing strategies that deliver safe, efficient, and scalable production systems.
This position is ideal for an experienced manufacturing engineer with expertise in sheet metal fabrication, automation, lean manufacturing, and capital project management who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
PositionPrincipal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
LocationUSA, Louisville, KY
How You'll Create PossibilitiesLead Manufacturing Innovation
- Drive the planning, procurement, installation, and qualification of advanced manufacturing equipment and tooling.
- Develop equipment specifications, conduct supplier evaluations, and lead technical reviews to ensure robust and reliable manufacturing solutions.
- Manage capital projects from concept through production launch while meeting budget, schedule, quality, and productivity objectives.
- Optimize manufacturing systems to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and long-term operational performance.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Partner closely with product engineering and operations teams to ensure seamless product launches.
- Provide Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) expertise during product development.
- Serve as the primary manufacturing liaison between NPI teams and factory operations, ensuring plant priorities and production requirements are integrated into project decisions.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and Production Preparation Process (3P) methodologies to create efficient, scalable production systems.
Advance Automation & Continuous Improvement
- Leverage automation technologies and advanced manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost performance.
- Utilize AI-assisted tools and emerging digital technologies to enhance engineering documentation, process development, project execution, and knowledge management.
- Collaborate with Lean, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams to optimize value streams, material flow, workstation design, and production efficiency.
Ensure Safety & Operational Excellence
- Design equipment and processes that meet or exceed all environmental, health, and safety requirements.
- Apply Human Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to prioritize operator safety and process reliability.
- Support key manufacturing initiatives including Lean Manufacturing, Bill of Process (BoP), Ergonomics, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
Mentor & Influence
- Serve as a technical leader within the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering organization.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers while helping expand organizational knowledge and best practices.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives, technical training programs, and manufacturing capability development efforts.
What You'll Bring to Our TeamMinimum Requirements:- Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related discipline ORequivalent hands-on experience in technical/manufacturing disciplines
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing equipment and processes.
Preferred Skills:- Sheet metal manufacturing and equipment experience, including fabrication, forming, joining, and automation processes, is a strong plus.
- Six Sigma certification and Lean process improvement expertise
- Proficiency in MS Office, MS Scheduler (or equivalent), and AutoCAD
- Prior involvement in New Product Introduction (NPI) programs
- Proven success in managing capital equipment projects, including supplier selection, installation, and qualification.
- Expertise in Lean manufacturing principles.
- Strong communication and leadership skills to engage with diverse teams, from shop floor operators to senior management.
- A track record of meeting deadlines and budgets for equipment projects.
