Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary

Purple Drive is seeking an experienced Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to lead manufacturing planning, new product introductions, and advanced manufacturing initiatives across assigned business units. This role partners closely with Line of Business Leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturing strategies align with product roadmaps, support NPDI execution, and drive continuous improvement through innovative technologies, capital investments, and best-in-class manufacturing practices.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Strategy & Product Roadmap Alignment

• Work closely with Line of Business Leaders to ensure manufacturing plans align with product roadmaps and growth strategies.

• Actively support business unit footprint planning, technical capacity development, and long-term manufacturing strategy.

New Product Development & Product Transfers

• Lead the development and implementation of manufacturing plans for assigned new products through the NPDI program.

• Provide direct support for plant-to-plant product transfers and new product development initiatives.

• Execute Manufacturing Readiness Checklist requirements and ensure NPDI deliverables are achieved.

• Lead manufacturing prototype builds with local operations teams to meet aggressive lead-time targets.

• Support engineering prototype builds in collaboration with Design Engineering.

Advanced Manufacturing & Capital Projects

• Identify, justify, pilot, and commission advanced manufacturing technologies, processes, and equipment.

• Own End-of-Line Testing equipment, parameters, scripts, and associated CapEx investments.

• Lead capital projects supporting growth, NPDI, product transfers, technical capacity expansion, and facility footprint optimization.

• Assist with business-critical projects, including facility planning, layout development, and cost justification.

Cost & Operational Support

• Support the manufacturing cost analysis for new and existing products.

• Provide multi-site manufacturing engineering support and implement best practices across operations.

• Support Vertiv manufacturing operations through standard processes, equipment, and proven manufacturing methods.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Business Operations Management.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of manufacturing experience.

• Equivalent professional experience of 7 years may be considered instead of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or MBA preferred.

• 5+ years of advanced manufacturing experience.

• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma formal training or certification preferred.

Key Skills & Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of advanced and Lean Manufacturing applications.

• Proven experience in new product development and plant-to-plant product transfers.

• Strong manufacturing engineering toolset, including:

  • Line definition and work content development

  • Process control and optimization

  • Material handling and flow improvement

  • Ergonomics, simulation, and manufacturing optimization techniques

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

• Ability to coach, train, facilitate, and lead teams in a transformational environment.

• Strong project management, analytical, and technical problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver results through teamwork, execution focus, and bias for action.