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Baxter

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Hayward, CA

Your Role The Principal Automation Engineer will focus on the implementation and adaptation of new and existing technologies on automation and associated processes in a manufacturing environment. The ...

INA Solution Inc

Manufacturing Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$55 - $93/hr

Principal Manufacturing Engineer/Senior Manufacturing Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer Location: Andover, MA Contract Type: Contract-to-Hire Clearance: Clearance not needed up front, but need to be ...

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How much do principal manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal manufacturing engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Principal Manufacturing Engineers?

Principal Manufacturing Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes within an organization. They provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that production systems operate efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Their responsibilities often include process improvement, troubleshooting, equipment selection, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet quality and production goals. With significant experience, they play a key role in strategic decision-making and innovation within the manufacturing environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you need deep expertise in manufacturing processes, process optimization, and a relevant engineering degree, often with several years of hands-on experience. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and ERP systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These capabilities ensure efficient production, continuous process improvement, and effective cross-functional collaboration to meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Principal Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's in Engineering or related field, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee manufacturing processes, collaborate with cross-functional teamsSupport manufacturing operations, troubleshoot issues, implement process improvements
Industry UsageUsed in large manufacturing firms, OEMs, and high-volume productionCommon across various manufacturing sectors, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer typically holds a senior technical role focused on leading manufacturing initiatives, while the Manufacturing Engineer supports daily operations and process improvements. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to manufacturing success, but the principal role involves more strategic oversight and leadership.

How does a Principal Manufacturing Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during new product introduction (NPI)?

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will work closely with design, quality, supply chain, and production teams during new product introduction (NPI). Your role is pivotal in translating design concepts into efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality and manufacturability from the earliest stages. Effective collaboration often involves leading design-for-manufacturability reviews, coordinating pilot builds, and troubleshooting process issues alongside team members from different disciplines. This cross-functional engagement is essential for launching products on time and within budget, and it also provides opportunities to mentor junior engineers and influence process improvements across the organization.
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Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you

Principal Manufacturing Engineer-Plastic Injection Molding

MILWAUKEE TOOL

Mukwonago, WI

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Principal Mfg Engineer
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Plastics is the technical authority for plastic injection molding process development, optimization, and sustainment. This role leads the establishment of robust molding processes that deliver consistent quality, high throughput, and competitive cost performance across production operations.
This position focuses on process optimization, material performance in molding, molding parameters, and process control, while partnering closely with tooling, quality, automation, and operations teams. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer drives manufacturing excellence through data-driven decision making, advanced process control, and continuous improvement, while mentoring engineers and influencing site and business strategy.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for plastic injection molding processes, including scientific molding principles, process window development, and process validation.
  • Develop, optimize, and sustain molding processes to meet quality, delivery, and cost objectives across a range of polymers and part geometries.
  • Help support and maintain standard molding methodologies, including start-up procedures, changeover standards, and process control plans.
  • Lead mold qualification, process validation, and ongoing process capability improvements (Cp/Cpk).
  • Analyze and optimize cycle time, cooling efficiency, clamp force utilization, part quality, and material usage.
  • Lead advanced root cause analysis for molding-related defects (short shots, flash, sink, warp, burn, splay, etc.) and process instability.
  • Apply DOE, SPC, and statistical analysis to define critical process parameters and ensure long-term process robustness.
  • Partner with Quality to drive defect reduction, scrap elimination, and corrective/preventive actions.
  • Provide hands-on technical support during process upsets, new product launches, and capacity expansions.
  • Evaluate and select polymer materials in collaboration with Product Development and suppliers to optimize manufacturability and performance.
  • Understand and manage the interaction between material properties, tooling design, and machine capability.
  • Lead trials for new materials, colorants, regrind strategies, and process innovations.
  • Research and implement advanced molding technologies (process monitoring, cavity pressure sensing, advanced cooling, automation).
  • Support molding equipment selection and capital decisions through process requirements definition, technical evaluation, and throughput analysis.
  • Lead data-driven continuous improvement efforts focused on molding efficiency, uptime, scrap reduction, labor optimization, and OEE through standardized processes and best practices.
  • Support and maintain molding process documentation, manufacturing standards, and ERP/MRP data (routing, cycle time, labor) to ensure consistent and repeatable molding performance.
  • Develop and share technical knowledge through documentation, repositories, and mentorship to build injection molding capability across the engineering team.
  • Partner with Operations, Tooling, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure stable and scalable molding operations.
  • Provide clear technical direction and influence decision-making without direct authority.
  • Communicate complex process concepts through clear documentation, data, and formal presentations.

Education & Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 6+ years of hands-on injection molding process engineering experience in a production environment.
  • Demonstrated expertise in scientific molding, process validation, and process troubleshooting.
  • Strong working knowledge of thermoplastics, molding machines, auxiliaries, and process monitoring tools.
  • Familiarity with CAD and mold design concepts as they relate to process capability.
  • Preferred experience supporting multi-cavity, high-volume, or tight-tolerance molding applications.
  • Preferred exposure to automation, robotics, and in-mold or downstream process integration.
  • Preferred knowledge with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
  • Established ability to identify and communicate issues and offer proposed solutions
  • Excellent attention to detail with good organizational skills are required
  • Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced team environment
  • Effectively collaborates across functions, drives continuous improvement, and communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical teams.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

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