Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics

Tennant Company; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 114,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennant Company is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics to drive the successful launch of robotic products into global manufacturing sites. You will ensure production readiness, define standards, and collaborate with R&D, supply chain and operations to meet aggressive schedules.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, manage risks, and drive cost optimization while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance across multiple sites. This role is based in Minneapolis‑St.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical or Industrial) from ABET accredited program is required.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production launch or industrial process implementation.
• Proven product launch management experience in global environments with strong program management skills.
• Strong collaboration, communication and cross-functional teamwork capabilities across R&D, Systems, Supply Chain and Operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead production launch and implementation of new robotics designs and subsystems into global manufacturing facilities.
• Define production process standards and documentation (assembly, testing) to ensure repeatable output.
• Align manufacturing readiness, supply chain, quality and process capabilities with venture priorities.
• Translate product design and launch requirements into actionable operational plans and milestones.
• Track launch progress, risks and dependencies and report to venture leadership and operations stakeholders.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Program management

Manufacturing operations

Design for manufacturability

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial) from ABET accredited institution

Job description

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Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics

Pay: $113,600 - $175,700

With more than $1B in revenue, Tennant Company is a globally recognized leader in the cleaning equipment industry. For the past 150 years, we have been passionate about developing and manufacturing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. At Tennant Company, we are committed to stewardship and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier world. With manufacturing, operations and sales, service, and support functions across the globe, your journey at Tennant can take you places you never expected.

We are seeking a highly collaborative and strategically minded leader to serve as the primary liaison between the Robotics Venture program teams and the broader operations and manufacturing organization. This role is accountable for ensuring the successful launch of new robotic products into global manufacturing, representing the venture’s program objectives while aligning with core operations standards and processes. The ideal candidate excels at cross-functional collaboration, navigating complex organizational structures, and driving the operational readiness required to meet ambitious product launch schedules.

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics is accountable to ensure global manufacturing sites are prepared to scale robotics into repeatable, reliable production. Success is measured by meeting schedule deliverables, the efficiency of assembly, cost optimization, and successful adherence to quality and compliance standards during product launch.

• Tennant Company does not provide employment visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• This role is located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul (Twin Cities) area and is not eligible for remote work.
• Relocation assistance is not available.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shaping and aligning cross functional strategies to ensure that manufacturing decisions support broader organizational goals and future growth opportunities.
• Collaborating closely with program teams to translate product design, technical specifications, and launch requirements into actionable operational plans.
• Identifying potential manufacturing constraints or risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
• Maintaining accountability to the venture program teams for successful launch outcomes, balancing the needs of the broader operations organization.
• Track and report launch progress, risks, and dependencies to venture leadership and operations stakeholders.
• Identify and drive initiatives that enhance the long-term scalability, adaptability and competitive advantage for robotics manufacturing platform.
• Production Launch & Implementation:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact between the Robotics Venture program teams and global manufacturing operations. Lead the production launch and implementation of new robotics designs and subsystems into manufacturing facilities. Define and establish production process standards and documentation (e.g., assembly, testing).
• Manufacturing Readiness:
  • Represent the venture’s priorities and requirements within core operations, ensuring alignment on manufacturing readiness, supply chain, quality, and process capabilities. Facilitate communication and alignment between venture product teams and regional/global manufacturing sites to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality product launches.
• Design for Manufacturability:
  • Collaborate closely with R&D, Machine Integration, and Supply Chain to embed design for manufacturing principles. Provide critical feedback during Design Reviews to ensure designs meet stringent production requirements for cost and qualityIntegrate Market and Customer Insights: Incorporate market trends, customer feedback, and competitive benchmarking into launch manufacturing strategies to ensure products meet evolving business and customer needs.

Qualifications:

• Education:Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial) from an ABET accredited institution is required.
• Experience:Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production launch, or industrial process implementation, preferably on complex electro‑mechanical systems and/or electric vehicle architectures.
• Technical Mastery: Proven experience in product launch management, manufacturing operations, and program management in complex, global environments. Broad technical knowledge in the design and development of mechanical and computer controlled electro‑mechanical systems.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong capability to build partnerships, communicate effectively and concisely, and work collaboratively on cross-functional teams (R&D, Systems, Supply Chain, Operations).
  Problem Solving & Execution: Deep understanding of global manufacturing processes, supply chain considerations, and operational best practices.

Capabilities:

• Strategic thinker with a focus on operational execution
• Effective liaison between program teams and operations with excellent communication skill
• Ability to manage competing priorities and drive results in a matrix organization
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. Tennant Sales and Service Co. reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualifications of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity. The salary range reflects both entry into the role and future growth. Total Compensation = Base Salary + Benefits

Benefits = A comprehensive benefits package including multiple medical plan options, 401(k) with a 100% match up to 6%, paid vacation time, up to 8 paid company holidays and 3 personal holidays per year, dental and vision coverage, wellness rewards, robust family support programs, company‑paid disability and life insurance, and a full Employee Assistance Program.

Defining Our Employee Value Proposition

At Tennant Company, we…

Discoverfulfilling work with opportunities for growth and meaningful recognition.

Drivethe quality and innovation our customers rely on in our products and services.

Connectwith people who care about each other, ourbrandsand our communities.

These are the principles that define how our employees experience Tennant Company, make Tennant a great place to grow your career, and are at the core of our legacy and future.Together, they serve as guideposts for working with our customers, our partners and one another.

Begin your journey with us. Let's reinvent how the world cleans.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tennant Company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skill, ability, reliability, productivity, and other factors important to performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other basis protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.