Principal Engineer

What we do

At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we're the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA®, AVEENO®, TYLENOL®, LISTERINE®, JOHNSON'S® and BAND-AID® that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent.

Who We Are

Our global team is ~ 22,000 brilliant people with a workplace culture where every voice matters, and every contribution is appreciated. We are passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage - and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future-and yours. For more information, click here.

Role reports to:

Sr Manager Engineering and Automation

Location:

North America, United States, Pennsylvania, Lititz

Work Location:

Fully Onsite

What you will do

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer to serve as the site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for liquids and creams manufacturing, with deep expertise in engineering project execution for mixing and filling operations. This role is critical to the acquisition, installation, commissioning, and optimization of manufacturing equipment, including continuous and batch mixing systems and associated process piping. The successful candidate will lead complex capital projects from concept to post-implementation, provide authoritative technical leadership, and ensure solutions are compliant, scalable, and aligned with business objectives while driving safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for continuous and batch mixing, liquids and creams processing, filling operations, and process piping systems.
• Independently lead and manage complex engineering and capital projects across all project phases (Concept, Planning, Design, Implementation, and Post-Implementation), ensuring delivery against scope, budget, schedule, safety, and quality commitments.
• Lead the acquisition, design, installation, commissioning, qualification, and startup of manufacturing equipment for liquids and creams production.
• Provide technical leadership and hands-on engineering support for mixing, filling, and process piping systems, including equipment troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and development of short- and long-term corrective actions.
• Develop and approve engineering designs, layouts, specifications, P&IDs, user requirements, and equipment standards for processing and filling systems.
• Manage and coordinate project implementation teams, including internal stakeholders, external contractors, OEMs, designers, consultants, and system integrators.
• Assess technical and project risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure productivity, quality, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction.
• Drive process improvements, capacity enhancements, and technology upgrades to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and sustainability.
• Track performance data, identify trends, and implement improvements to manufacturing and utility systems supporting liquids and creams operations.
• Prepare, review, and approve technical documentation, including reports, technical memos, business cases, commissioning and qualification plans, protocols, and final reports based on sound engineering rationale.
• Review and approve Change Controls, Commissioning, and Qualification documentation in compliance with cGMP and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical governance and expertise for quality investigations, deviations, and continuous improvement initiatives related to processing and filling systems.
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules, resource plans, and budgets, including capital planning, monthly/quarterly spend tracking, cash flow forecasting, contingencies, and scope management.
• Prepare and lead project proposal reviews, charters, governance updates, and executive-level communications for assigned projects.
• Champion strong collaboration with cross-functional partners including Operations, Quality, Validation, Maintenance, Automation, Supply Chain, EHS, and Regulatory Affairs.
• Lead or serve as the primary technical lead on cross-functional teams, setting technical strategy and prioritizing project execution based on business criticality and available resources.
• Serve as area owner for liquids and creams processing, supporting the long-range financial plan (LRFP), five-year asset replacement strategy, reliability roadmap, and automation integration.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in liquids and creams manufacturing to proactively identify improvement and innovation opportunities.
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and project leadership to peers and lower-level engineers; act as a trusted technical advisor with a high degree of reliance across the organization.
• Maintain proficiency and compliance with cGMPs, SOPs, data integrity, documentation standards, and safety requirements.
• Work under limited supervision while directing the work activities of others as required; effectively influence across multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Support business needs by working extended hours or responding to urgent production or project issues as required.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) in Engineering required. Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering discipline required. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of engineering experience in pharmaceutical, consumer products, or regulated manufacturing environments, with demonstrated expertise in liquids and creams processing, mixing, filling, and process piping systems.
• Proven experience leading capital projects, equipment acquisition, installation, and startup.
• Strong working knowledge of cGMPs, FDA-regulated environments, and Good Documentation Practices required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep technical expertise in continuous and batch mixing systems, process piping design, liquids and creams filling technologies, and manufacturing equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to address complex engineering challenges.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities, including the ability to influence across functions and manage multiple priorities.
• Fluent in English with strong verbal, written, and technical documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiarity with computer systems, automation, and validation concepts.

Certifications / Licenses

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
• Project Management certification preferred.

Leadership

• Demonstrated leadership competencies aligned with company values and behaviors.
• Ability to mentor engineers, lead technical teams, and contribute to transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and respond to emergency calls as required.
• Flexibility to support other departments and critical projects based on evolving business needs.

What's in it for you

• Annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges: $124,100.00 - $175,200.00
• This takes into account a number of factors including work location, the candidate's skills, experience, education level & other job-related factors.
• Competitive Benefit Package*
• Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Volunteer Time & More!
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Kenvuer Impact Networks
• This list could vary based on location/region
• Note: Total Rewards at Kenvue include salary, bonus (if applicable) and benefits. Your Talent Access Partner will be able to share more about our total rewards offerings and the specific salary range for the relevant location(s) during the recruitment & hiring process.

Kenvue is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

If you are an individual with a disability, please check our Disability Assistance page for information on how to request an accommodation.