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Dalton, Georgia, United States
Onsite
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
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.
Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the Future
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:
With a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sport surface solutions, generating turnover of €3.3 billion in 2025. The Group has close to 12,000 employees, 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 33 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors,” the Group is committed to circular economy and sustainability, in line with its Tarkett Human‐Conscious Design® approach.
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.