Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Cardinal Health; Norfolk (NE); On-site; USD 82,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off plan

Health savings account (HSA) and 401k

MyFlexPay access to wages before pay

FSAs

Disability coverage

Work-Life resources

Paid parental leave

Healthy lifestyle programs

Job summary

Cardinal Health is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to lead continuous improvement and change management of manufacturing equipment. You will design, test, and implement process improvements, write specifications and manage projects while assisting maintenance with equipment issues to improve efficiency, scrap, and quality.

The role requires developing cost-saving plans, budgets, capital project oversight, and coordinating new product startups with multiple departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience (4+ years preferred).
• Injection molding experience preferred.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations for medical devices, GMPs and validations is a plus.
• Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools preferred.
• Understanding and application of mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic technologies and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost saving plans with minimal production interference.
• Establish and manage project budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee major capital projects installation.
• Assist production on equipment and process problems; support troubleshooting.
• Develop and execute process validations and evaluations for capability.
• Coordinate new product or process start-ups with operations teams.
• Develop machine specifications and manage vendors to meet specs and schedules.
• Follow EH&S, ISO 13485, GMP, OSHA standards and plant policies.

Skills

Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing

Project management

PLCs

HMIs

Vision systems

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent work experience

Job description

What Manufacturing Engineering contributes to Cardinal Health Engineering is responsible for performing research and analyses to develop design options for components, products, systems and processes. Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for developing manufacturing processes, production floor layouts and associated tools. Reviews new designs for manufacturability. Designs process improvements to reduce product cost, process cycle time and improved product quality.

Job Summary

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for continuous improvement and change management of manufacturing equipment (which includes designing, testing and implementing process improvements, writing specifications and managing projects), and performing equipment validations, along with assisting maintenance in diagnosing and solving production equipment problems related to efficiency, scrap and quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost saving plans - creates schedules and project timelines that cause minimal interference to production, obtains quotes, and requests funding from corporate
• Establish and manage project budgets, assist with annual budget preparations and spending forecasts
• Oversee development and installation of major capital projects
• Assist production areas on equipment and process problems, support technicians in troubleshooting and develop plans and process changes to stop reoccurring issues
• Develop and execute process validations, conduct studies, and perform evaluations as needed to ensure process capability
• Perform daily check-ins on assigned production lines and areas
• Coordinate new product or process start-ups with all operational departments
• Develop machine specifications and manage outside vendors to ensure compliance with developed machine specifications and schedules
• Comply with statutory responsibility under the national/federal regulations - take reasonable care of your own health, safety and welfare along with teammates that may be affected by your acts at work
• Follow established EH&S procedures and policies and encourage teammates to follow them
• Participate in EH&S activities such as: root cause analysis, finding solutions, implementing improvements, inspections, and meetings
• Complete and remain up to date on required EH&S training
• Follow all ISO 13485, GMP, OSHA and plant/corporate standards, policies, and procedures
• Observe all safety precautions and regulations at all times in all areas where duties are performed
• Report all safety incidents, hazards, and potential unsafe working conditions
• As needed, attend to issues on the manufacturing floor – hair net, beard net, safety glasses and hearing protection are required
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent work experience, preferred 4+ years of experience in related field preferred
• Previous injection molding experience preferred
• Understanding of FDA regulations surrounding the manufacturing of medical devices, GMPs and process validations would be an asset
• Experience with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools preferred
• Understanding and application of mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic technologies and equipment preferred
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical information, financial reports and legal documents
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, vision systems and instrumentations preferred
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize projects to meet deadlines
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently and contribute effectively to team goals

What is expected of you and others at this level

Applies comprehensive knowledge and a thorough understanding of concepts, principles, and technical capabilities to perform varied tasks and projects. May contribute to the development of policies and procedures. Works on complex projects of large scope. Develops technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems. Solutions are innovative and consistent with organization objectives. Completes work; independently receives general guidance on new projects. Work reviewed for purpose of meeting objectives. May act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues.

Anticipated salary range

$82,100 - $127,050/year Bonus eligible: No

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan
• Health savings account (HSA) 401k savings plan
• Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Work-Life resources
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy lifestyle programs

Application window anticipated to close

09/11/2026

Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background.

We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day.

Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for healthcare facilities.

We are a crucial link between the clinical and operational sides of healthcare, delivering end‑to‑end solutions and data‑driving insights that advance healthcare and improve lives every day. With deep partnerships, diverse perspectives and innovative digital solutions, we build connections across the continuum of care.

With more than 50 years of experience, we seize the opportunity to address healthcare's most complicated challenges — now, and in the future.