Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Project Management)

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Principal Engineer with a strong background in Manufacturing Engineering and proven expertise in project management manage complex engineering projects. The ideal candidate will bring many years of hands-on experience in manufacturing processes, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. Design engineering experience will be considered a strong advantage.

Job duties:

• Lead cross-functional teams and manage complex engineering projects from concept through execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Develops, defines and executes project plans, schedules, budgets and deliverables.
• Drive manufacturing process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, production, quality, and supply chain to deliver integrated solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and project teams.
• Develop and implement best practices in manufacturing engineering, including lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by coordinating design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities.
• Prepare and present project updates, technical reports, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Assign and monitors work of project/program management staff, providing technical support and direction
• This position is most common in a matrix type organization, where the position does not have true responsibility over product development but does have overall product/program/project management responsibility, ie, coordinating efforts leading to product release
• Direct people-management responsibility is typically required.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 30% of Travel is required.

Skills You Bring:

• Education: Bachelor or master’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s preferred) and Candidates with a PhD degree will also be considered. Candidates with relevant experience in laser, optic or electro-optical engineering will be an advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in Manufacturing Engineering with demonstrated success in leading large-scale projects.
• Project Management: Proven track record of managing complex engineering projects, with certification in PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Technical Expertise:
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, precision optics including lenses, polarization optics, modulators, optical harmonic generation & laser cavity design.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles to support new product introduction.
• Design Exposure: Experience with CAD/design tools and product development processes is highly desirable.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Capability to align engineering initiatives with business objectives and long-term organizational goals.
• Global Mindset: Experience working in cross-cultural or international manufacturing environments is a plus.