NPI Engineer

SUMMARY:

The NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineer plays a critical role in managing the transition of new products from design and development into manufacturing. This position supports cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches by developing and documenting assembly processes, creating tooling and test fixtures, and facilitating prototype evaluation and troubleshooting. The NPI Engineer will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards. In addition to launching new products, the NPI Engineer supports sustaining engineering activities, including product updates, process improvements, and issue resolution for legacy products already in production.

DIRECT REPORTS:

• N/A

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Lead the development and documentation of build processes, work instructions, and router sheets for new products, focusing on wire and cable harness assemblies as well as mechanical components.
• Create and revise 3D CAD models and 2D drawings (preferably SolidWorks) to support product design and manufacturability.
• Develop and coordinate the design of assembly jigs, harness boards, tooling, and custom test fixtures, including the use of 3D printing technologies.
• Assist in prototype assembly, testing, and evaluation; document test results and recommend design or process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth handoff of new products to manufacturing, troubleshooting issues during pilot runs and early production stages.
• Support root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts related to new product quality, performance, and process issues.
• Manage bills of materials (BOM), part specifications, and engineering documentation with revision control.
• Participate in design reviews and assess manufacturability, cost, and compliance requirements.
• Work with suppliers to evaluate components, review specifications, and inspect samples.
• Provide regular updates on project progress and risk mitigation to Engineering Management.
• Support sustaining engineering tasks, including root cause analysis of field or production issues, implementation of engineering changes (ECOs), and evaluation of alternate materials or components.
• Drive continuous improvements for existing products by enhancing performance, reducing cost, improving manufacturability, or resolving supply chain constraints.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in production processes and assembly techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPENTENCIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in new product introduction, cable and wire harness assembly, or mechanical product development within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred) and interpreting technical drawings, electrical schematics, and blueprints.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including assembly, prototyping, tooling design, and testing methodologies.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certification for Cable and Wire Harness Assembly is strongly preferred.
• Experience with prototype build, test procedure development, and troubleshooting.
• Excellent attention to detail with a focus on quality, process adherence, and continuous improvement.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform tasks involving fine motor skills and repetitive hand movements.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed.

Preferred but Not Required:

• Exposure to engineering analysis tools (FEA, CFD).
• Familiarity with manufacturing for battery cells or similar high-reliability products.
• Knowledge of CAM/CAE tools and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Experience with ISO 9001 or equivalent quality system audits.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments and requires:

• Sitting for prolonged periods at a workstation and standing for extended durations.
• Frequent use of hands and wrists for repetitive tasks involving small tools and components.
• Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for precision work.
• Regular lifting and carrying of materials or equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Standing, bending, or kneeling to operate machinery or access workstations.
• Occasional exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
• Use of appropriate PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and safety-shoes in accordance with policy.