NPI Engineer

Project Goal

Own the end-to-end execution of transforming Checker's R&D electrical and mechanical designs into functional, high-quality UAV engine prototypes. This role is responsible for sourcing components, coordinating manufacturing and assembly, managing prototype builds, troubleshooting hardware issues, and ensuring prototypes meet performance, quality, and reliability requirements throughout the product development lifecycle.

Key Deliverables & Responsibilities

A practical Electrical Engineer and an agile Hardware Procurement Lead. You know how to read a Gerber file and debug a circuit, but you also know how to negotiate with PCB houses, manage freight, and handle customs under tight startup deadlines.  

• Technical Sourcing & BOM Management: Review our engineering design files (Altium/Eagle and CAD). Clean up and maintain the Bill of Materials (BOM), flag long-lead or end-of-life components, and find cross-references to reduce bottlenecks.

• Vendor Sourcing & Negotiation: Own relationships with PCB assembly (PCBA) houses, CNC shops, and 3D printing vendors. Obtain quotes, negotiate rapid-turn lead times, and optimize prototyping costs.

• Logistics & Order Handling: Track all incoming orders from fabrication to delivery. Navigate global supply chain issues, shipping delays, and custom clearings.

• Quality Control & Assembly: Perform incoming inspection (First Article Inspection) against engineering drawings. Manage the bring-up, mechanical fitting, and basic electronic validation testing of the physical prototype.

Required Skills

• Hardware / EE Background: B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on experience. Must be able to read complex schematics and debug prototype wiring/PCBA faults.

• Supply Chain Agility: Proven experience handling global contract manufacturers (EMS/turn-key providers), logistics, and component sourcing.

• Startup Speed: Experience working remotely/independently with distributed teams under aggressive, moving deadlines.

• Good English communication skills to collaborate effectively with an international team