Principal Manufacturing Engineer at C810 Lexmark Carpet Mills Inc. — Dalton, GA

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.

What We Offer

• A commitment that Safety is #1
• Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!
• Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.

• We utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process.
• We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption.
• We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.

Who we are:

www.tarkett-group.com