Sr. Principal Process Engineer, OPEX - MFG

Cardinal Health · Norfolk, NE

Level: Senior
Team: Lean / CI
Base pay: $105k–$150k
Degree: Preferred
Experience asked: 8+ years
Certification: Black Belt preferred
Industry: Pharma & life sciences
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A senior continuous improvement role at Cardinal Health (pharma & life sciences) in Norfolk, NE. Identify and Execute Continuous Improvement Projects: Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of continuous improvement projects across the manufacturing facility.

They ask for: 8+ years · degree preferred · Black Belt preferred
Tools it names: Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Automation, Injection molding
Base pay: $105k–$150k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Continuous Improvement roles in the US: typical posted base $105k–$151k. This one lists $105k–$150k.

Median of the low and high ends of 126 live postings that list pay, out of 314 continuous improvement openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Nebraska plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 313 other live lean / ci postings in the US.

Base pay: In line with similar roles
Experience asked: More than usual (8+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Lean 85%
✓ Six Sigma 55%
Kaizen 53%
Value stream mapping 51%
Root cause 46%
5S 33%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Injection molding, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 8+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Lean / CI team at Cardinal Health
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
- Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Cardinal Health in Norfolk

2 other open roles at this site.

Principal Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing · Senior
Facilities Tech, Custodian - 3rd Shift · Reliability · Technician

Full description from Cardinal HealthAs posted on their careers site.Show

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Principal Process Engineer to join our team and lead continuous improvement initiatives within our medical device manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and project management, with a proven track record of successfully implementing process improvements that enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality. Familiarity with injection molding and sterilization processes is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

◆Identify and Execute Continuous Improvement Projects: Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of continuous improvement projects across the manufacturing facility. This includes utilizing Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies to analyze processes, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
◆Project Management: Develop project scopes, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans for continuous improvement projects. Manage project execution, track progress, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
◆Process Optimization: Develop and implement process improvements for existing manufacturing processes, including injection molding and sterilization. This may involve optimizing equipment settings, developing new procedures, and implementing automation solutions.
◆Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to identify trends, measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives, and report findings to management.
◆Technical Expertise: Serve as a technical expert on assigned projects, providing process engineering support from concept through implementation. This includes developing detailed engineering specifications, performing feasibility studies, and preparing process flow diagrams.
◆Team Leadership and Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to employees of all levels, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

Qualifications

✓Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent work experience in related field preferred
✓5-8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on process improvement preferred
✓Familiarity with injection molding and sterilization processes is highly desirable
✓Proven expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies (Black Belt certification preferred)
✓Strong project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading and completing projects
✓Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making
✓Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams
✓Travel Expectations:

Bonus eligible: Yes

Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

✓Medical, dental and vision coverage
✓Paid time off plan
✓Health savings account (HSA)
✓401k savings plan
✓Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
✓Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
✓Short- and long-term disability coverage
✓Work-Life resources
✓Paid parental leave
✓Healthy lifestyle programs

Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.