Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Tarkett; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarkett is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to provide strategic engineering leadership across the Kraft Drive campus. You will drive innovation, optimization, automation, and capital project execution to improve safety, quality, reliability, and operations.

Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Production, and Quality to develop long-term engineering strategies and lead cross-functional initiatives that advance manufacturing excellence through advanced engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering initiatives in a manufacturing operation.
• Strong knowledge of continuous manufacturing processes and process improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale capital projects from concept to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and direction for the manufacturing campus, including process engineering, automation, controls, capital projects, and manufacturing technology.
• Partner with Plant Leadership and managers to develop and execute engineering strategies that improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and costs.
• Lead engineering initiatives that optimize flooring manufacturing processes, equipment performance, product quality, and OEE.
• Identify and implement innovative manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and process improvements that enhance operational performance.
• Lead the planning, design, execution, commissioning, and validation of capital improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for major engineering projects, ensuring alignment with budgets and timelines.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Process optimization

Automation

Capital projects

Lean manufacturing

OEE improvement

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering (preferred)

Tools

SAP

CAMs

Microsoft Project

Job description

Position Summary

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer is a senior engineer and technical leader responsible for providing strategic engineering leadership across the Kraft Drive manufacturing campus. This role drives innovation, process optimization, automation, and capital project execution while establishing engineering standards and best practices that improve safety, quality, reliability, and operational performance. The Principal Manufacturing Engineer partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Production, and Quality to develop long term engineering strategies, lead complex technical initiatives, and support manufacturing excellence through advanced engineering solutions. This position provides leadership through influence, expertise, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and direction for the manufacturing campus, providing strategic direction for process engineering, automation, controls, capital projects, and manufacturing technology.
• Partner with Plant Leadership and departmental managers to develop and execute engineering strategies that improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, sustainability, and manufacturing costs.
• Lead engineering initiatives that optimize flooring manufacturing processes, equipment performance, product quality, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Identify and implement innovative manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and process improvements that enhance operational performance and support long term business objectives.
• Lead the planning, design, execution, commissioning, and validation of capital improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for major engineering projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, engineering standards, budgets, and project timelines.
• Lead complex troubleshooting efforts and root cause analysis to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, improve process capability, and eliminate recurring manufacturing issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiative utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, World Class Manufacturing (WCM), and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Division Engineering to improve manufacturing capability, support new product introductions, and implement best practices across manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend equipment modifications, process improvements, and technology investments that improve productivity, quality, sustainability and cost competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain engineering specifications, equipment standards, control system architectures, programming standards, and technical documentation to ensure consistency across the campus.
• Analyze manufacturing and engineering performance metrics to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and deliver measurable business results.
• Serve as a key member of the manufacturing leadership team, collaborating with departmental managers to establish engineering priorities, allocate resources, support operational goals, and drive continuous improvement across the campus.
• Coach and develop non‑engineering personnel (operations leaders, maintenance, production) in problem‑solving methods, process discipline, and productivity practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 10 to 12 years of progressive engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, with significant experience in process optimization, automation, and capital project execution.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering initiatives and cross functional projects within a manufacturing operation.
• Strong knowledge of continuous manufacturing process, process improvement methodologies, and manufacturing systems.
• Proven ability to lead large‑scale capital projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross functional teams and senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record leading complex automation or controls projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in flooring, textiles, building products, or other continuous manufacturing industries.
• Experience implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Manufacturing, or equivalent operational excellence systems.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar professional certification.
• Proficient with Microsoft Project or other project management tools.
• Experience in CAMs, and/or SAP.
• Fluent in Management of Change (MOC) process.

Key Competencies

• Strategic engineering leadership
• Manufacturing process optimization
• Capital project management
• Automation and controls engineering
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Data‑driven decision-making
• Root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving
• Cross‑functional leadership and collaboration
• Technical mentoring and knowledge sharing
• Innovation and technology implementation
• Communication and stakeholder influence

Typical KPIs / Success Metrics

• Improvement in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Manufacturing cost reduction and productivity improvements
• Capital project executions (scope, budget, schedule, and quality)
• Equipment reliability and reduction in unplanned downtime
• Manufacturing defect reduction and process capability improvements
• Safety performance and regulatory compliance
• Standardization of engineering and automation systems
• Successful implementation of continuous improvement initiatives
• Achievement of engineering and operational performance objectives
• Project delivery (schedule, budget, performance)

Work Environment

Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and field environments. Hands‑on involvement with manufacturing equipment, commissioning, troubleshooting, process optimization, and project implementation. Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment, including exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Occasional lifting, climbing, and extended periods of standing or walking may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.