Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Itron, you will serve as a technical leader driving manufacturing innovation, automation, and operational excellence across our production network. You will define and optimize advanced manufacturing strategies — introducing new products into manufacturing, integrating robotics and PLC systems, and data-driven automation to achieve world-class quality, efficiency, and scalability.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams including Design Engineering, Operations, and Quality to bring new products from concept to production with precision and consistency. You’ll mentor other engineers, lead and organize complex projects, and influence key technology and process decisions across multiple product lines.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced manufacturing systems — including robotics, PLC-based control systems, and automated test and assembly processes.
• Strategic Influence: Partner with design and operations teams to ensure new products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and scalable for volume production.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Own manufacturing readiness for new products, including process development, validation, and equipment commissioning.
• Cost Optimization: Develop and execute cost reduction and efficiency programs through tooling, process, and material improvements.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or automation in a high-tech or electromechanical production environment.

• Proven track record leading complex automation projects involving PLC (Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff) and robotic systems (Fanuc, Staubli, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated expertise in project management of complex projects, including capital equipment acquisition, vendor management, new product introduction and system integration.
• Strong proficiency and experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Pro-E/Creo, AutoCAD or equivalent) for tooling and process design.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Excellent organizational skills, able to convey technical information effectively, able to work well in a global, team-based environment.

Travel: 0-10%

Benefits Info:

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more! This position is eligible for our annual bonus program.

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Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email Accessibility@itron.com.

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com