Principal Process Engineer

Principal Industrialisation / Process Engineer 📍 Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex (Onsite) We are working with a high-performing engineering organisation delivering cutting-edge products across multiple advanced sectors. They are now looking to appoint a Principal Industrialisation / Process Engineer to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes and drive manufacturing excellence. This is a hands-on, leadership-focused role within a dynamic environment, supporting the industrialisation of complex, low-volume products for premium customers. 🚀 The Role You will take ownership of industrialisation activities across NPI projects, ensuring products are effectively transitioned from development into manufacturing. Key responsibilities include: Leading industrialisation and manufacturing project activities across multiple programmes Developing and implementing manufacturing documentation (DFM/DFA, control plans, PFMEA, work instructions, etc.) Designing production processes, facility layouts, and material flows Specifying, procuring, and validating tooling and manufacturing equipment Supporting prototype builds and early-stage process validation Driving continuous improvement across cost, quality, and delivery metrics Managing supplier quality and ensuring adherence to APQP/PPAP standards Reporting project and launch readiness status internally and to customers Supporting business growth through technical input and proposal development 🛠️ Experience Required Proven experience in industrialisation / manufacturing project leadership Background in automotive, aerospace, marine, or adjacent high-performance engineering sectors Strong knowledge of assembly processes, quality tools (DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans) and production readiness Experience driving NPI / launch programmes Hands-on understanding of lean manufacturing principles Familiarity with supplier quality, APQP/PPAP, and industry standards Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing methods Experience with tooling, fixtures, or layout design (CAD preferred) ⭐ Desirable Degree-qualified in Engineering (or similar) Chartered Engineer status Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Experience with PLC, MES, or vision systems Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP) Project or commercial management experience 🌍 Why Apply? Work on innovative, niche engineering projects across diverse sectors Be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking NPI team Play a key role in bringing advanced products from concept through to production Opportunity to influence manufacturing strategy and process capability