Engineer – Manufacturing Principal

JMJ PHILLIP; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing organization is seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Principal Engineer in Gaffney, SC. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, drive process optimization, and support production initiatives in a complex manufacturing environment. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Engineering and extensive experience in manufacturing engineering. Key responsibilities include leading engineering projects, identifying process improvements, and providing hands-on support for production challenges. The role offers a salary range of $120,000.00 to $135,000.00.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in complex or high-volume production environments.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with experience in technical or process-improvement projects.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support manufacturing engineering initiatives across multiple product lines.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Provide hands-on technical support for production issues.

Skills

Technical leadership

Process optimization

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership, drive process optimization, and support ongoing and future production initiatives. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who can lead complex manufacturing efforts, champion continuous improvement, and ensure high-quality, efficient, and scalable production operations.

Position Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead and support advanced manufacturing engineering initiatives across multiple product lines.
• Serve as a technical expert, guiding teams on process improvements, equipment optimization, and production best practices.

Process Optimization

• Identify, evaluate, and implement opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen workflow performance.
• Support continuous improvement activities, including Lean, Six Sigma, and other structured methodologies.

Production Support

• Provide hands-on technical support for production issues, troubleshooting root causes, and ensuring high-quality output.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and operations teams to resolve challenges and improve stability.

Project Leadership

• Lead engineering projects from concept through implementation, ensuring timelines, performance standards, and objectives are met.
• Drive initiatives that support the adoption of new technologies or production methods.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably supporting complex or high-volume production environments.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with demonstrated experience leading technical or process-improvement projects.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• PMP or formal project management training
• Certifications related to quality systems (ISO, ASQ, etc.)

What the Role Offers

• Salary range of $120,000.00 to $135,000.00
• Opportunity to lead impactful engineering initiatives supporting long-term operational success
• Exposure to complex manufacturing environments and advanced production technologies
• A role that encourages continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth

Why Gaffney?

Gaffney offers a strong industrial and manufacturing presence, making it an ideal location for engineering professionals who thrive in hands-on, production-focused environments. With a supportive business community, accessible resources, and a workforce committed to quality and craftsmanship, Gaffney provides a stable and engaging setting to drive meaningful engineering impact.