NPI Lead

Position Summary:

We are seeking a driven and detail-oriented NPI Lead to manage the successful transition of new products from design to full-scale production. This role is critical in coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring product readiness, manufacturability, and timely market delivery. The ideal candidate will have experience in engineering, manufacturing, and program management, with a strong understanding of product lifecycle and go-to-market processes.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end NPI programs from concept through production ramp-up and handoff to operations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams.
• Define and manage NPI schedules, milestones, and deliverables using stage-gate or phased development models.
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews.
• Coordinate prototype builds, pilot production runs, and readiness reviews.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to cost, quality, timelines, and manufacturability.
• Ensure all documentation (BOMs, ECNs, test plans, work instructions) is complete and up to date.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to ensure part availability and manufacturability during early builds.
• Track KPIs such as first-pass yield, cycle time, and launch readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement post-launch and support design changes or enhancements.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in NPI, product development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Proven experience launching products in a fast-paced or complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of product development cycles and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with ERP and PLM systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Arena, Agile).
• Excellent project management, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple NPI programs simultaneously under tight timelines.