NPDI Sourcing Engineer

Position Summary

The New Product Development & Introduction (NPD/NPI) Procurement Lead is responsible for strategically supporting new product development initiatives by ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality sourcing of materials, components, and services from concept through launch. This role partners closely with engineering, R&D, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to integrate procurement best practices early in the product lifecycle, reduce risk, and enable successful product commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

New Product Development & Introduction

• Lead procurement activities for new product development and product introduction programs from concept through production ramp-up.
• Participate in cross-functional NPD/NPI teams to influence design-for-cost, design-for-supply, and supplier selection decisions early in development.
• Develop sourcing strategies aligned with product roadmaps, technical requirements, timelines, and cost targets.
• Support prototype, pilot, and pre-production builds, ensuring on-time availability of materials and services.

Supplier Management & Sourcing

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to support innovative products and emerging technologies.
• Lead supplier RFQs/RFPs, negotiations, and contract development for NPD-related components and services.
• Establish strong supplier partnerships to drive innovation, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with suppliers on cost reduction, lead-time optimization, and quality improvements.

Cost, Risk, and Lifecycle Management

• Develop and manage cost models, should-cost analyses, and total cost of ownership (TCO) assessments for new products.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to new technologies, single-source components, or constrained materials.
• Support make/buy decisions and transition plans from development suppliers to production suppliers as needed.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, sustainability, and organizational procurement policies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, R&D, manufacturing, quality, finance, and program management teams to align procurement strategies with technical and business objectives.
• Serve as the primary procurement point of contact for NPD/NPI programs.
• Support change management related to design changes, supplier transitions, and production scaling.

Continuous Improvement & Governance

• Develop and standardize NPD/NPI procurement processes, tools, and best practices.
• Track and report key metrics such as cost, lead time, supplier performance, and launch readiness.
• Contribute to lessons-learned reviews and continuous improvement initiatives post-launch.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles, with demonstrated experience supporting new product development or product launches.
• Strong understanding of NPD/NPI processes, manufacturing environments, and supplier engagement models.
• Proven negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in research-driven, advanced manufacturing, technology, or regulated environments.
• Familiarity with contract manufacturing, prototype sourcing, and low-to-high volume transitions.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, PMP) are a plus.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and procurement analytics tools.

Key Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and supplier collaboration
• Cost modeling and financial analysis
• Risk management and problem-solving
• Communication and stakeholder engagement
• Continuous improvement mindset