NPI Engineering Manager

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Posting Dates: 4/15/26-4/30/26

ABOUT THE ROLE

Advanced Thin Films (ATF) develops and manufactures high-performance optical components for advanced laser applications. The NPI Engineering Manager leads the integration of new products, processes, and technologies into high-volume manufacturing, serving as the primary owner of new product introduction from concept through production readiness.
 

This role acts as the central bridge between Technology & Innovation, Process Engineering, and Operations, ensuring new products are developed, validated, and transitioned into stable, scalable manufacturing. As a member of the site leadership team, this role drives alignment across engineering and operational functions while ensuring technical execution supports business objectives.
 

This role is highly cross-functional and externally facing, serving as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions on specifications, feasibility, and performance validation. The environment is fast-paced and evolving, requiring strong prioritization, coordination across multiple programs, and the ability to manage competing priorities. This role operates in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities, requiring strong judgment, adaptability, and the ability to navigate ambiguity.
 

This is a strategic leadership role focused on program execution, technical direction, and successful product integration, with accountability for aligning engineering efforts with manufacturing readiness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

New Product Integration & Manufacturing Readiness

• Own end-to-end integration of new products into manufacturing, from prototype through production readiness
• Define and manage NPI program structure, including gates, milestones, risk mitigation, and deliverables
• Ensure manufacturing readiness through validation, process definition, and transition planning
• Establish clear ownership and formal handoff to Process Engineering, ensuring defined readiness criteria and transition of accountability for sustained production performance
• Support product changes, expansions, and lifecycle updates to existing product lines

Customer & Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions on specifications, feasibility, and performance validation
• Provide technical direction for the design and development of laser-based optical products and assemblies
• Lead resolution of customer-facing technical issues and field performance concerns
• Manage technical risks related to laser safety, optical performance, contamination control, and thermal effects
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) to ensure scalable production

Engineering Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead cross-functional execution of NPI programs, ensuring alignment across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain
• Manage multiple programs simultaneously, balancing timelines, technical complexity, and resource constraints with clear accountability and disciplined follow-through
• Drive design reviews, prototype builds, validation testing, and readiness assessments
• Ensure clear communication of program status, risks, and priorities across stakeholders

Engineering Sales Support & RFQs

• Own engineering support for RFQs, including feasibility assessment, cost modeling, and timeline development
• Partner with Sales to translate customer requirements into manufacturable engineering solutions
• Ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality responses to customer inquiries and new opportunities

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of engineers and scientists, with accountability for team performance and output
• Establish clear priorities and expectations aligned with business and program objectives
• Recruit, onboard, and develop engineering talent to support current and future needs
• Build strong technical capability and cross-functional collaboration within the team