Principal Manufacturing Engineer

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

Job summary

Cardinal Health seeks a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to drive continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment, validations, and process improvements to enhance efficiency, scrap reduction, and quality.

You will lead capital projects, coordinate with operations, and support maintenance with troubleshoot and root-cause analyses. The role requires strong project management, technical breadth, and adherence to regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing/engineering roles is preferred.
• Injection molding experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations, GMPs and process validations is advantageous.
• Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools knowledge is preferred.
• Understanding of mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, vision systems and instrumentation is preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize projects to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with quality focus and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost-saving plans with schedules that minimize production interference.
• Establish and manage project budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee major capital projects from planning to installation.
• Assist production on equipment issues and develop long-term fixes.
• Develop and validate processes to ensure capability and compliance.
• Perform daily checks on production lines and areas.
• Coordinate new product or process start-ups with departments.
• Create machine specs and manage vendors to meet specs and timelines.
• Adhere to EH&S and ISO 13485, GMP, OSHA standards and procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Project prioritization

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Vision systems

Instrumentation

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: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

• 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

The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

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.

To read and review this privacy notice click here