NPI & Engineering Manager

Job Description: NPI & Engineering Manager

Position Overview

The Engineering Manager oversees the engineering team, including NPI engineers, and drives the strategic execution of new product introductions, process improvements, and technical innovation. This role combines technical expertise with leadership to ensure manufacturing processes meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives. The Engineering Manager collaborates with senior leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams to align engineering efforts with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Team Management:
   

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, including NPI, process, and quality engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
  
• Define team objectives, assign responsibilities, and monitor performance to meet project milestones.
  
• Recruit and train top engineering talent to build a high-performing team.
  

• Oversee the entire NPI process, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
  
• Coordinate with NPI engineers to implement DFM, DFT, and process validation strategies.
  
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and budgets for new product launches.
  

• Act as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and customers to ensure seamless product transitions.
  
• Work with contract manufacturers and suppliers to align production capabilities with design requirements.
  
• Provide technical leadership during design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause analyses.
  

• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes using lean, Six Sigma, and automation techniques.
  
• Implement and validate new technologies, equipment, or software to enhance production efficiency.
  
• Analyze production data to identify trends, reduce costs, and improve quality metrics like OEE and FPY.
  

• Ensure engineering processes comply with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IPC, FDA for medical electronics) and customer specifications.
  
• Align engineering initiatives with organizational goals, such as cost reduction, scalability, and sustainability.
  
• Prepare and present project reviews and technical reports to senior management and clients.
  

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; master's degree or MBA preferred.
  
• Experience: 10–15 years of experience in engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within manufacturing or EMS.
  
• Technical Skills:
  
  • Deep knowledge of electronics manufacturing processes, including SMT, PCB assembly, and test systems.
    
  • Proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), PDM systems, and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
    
  • Expertise in quality systems, Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher), and regulatory standards (e.g., RoHS, UL, ISO 13485 for medical).
    
• Leadership Skills:
  
  • Proven ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, even without direct authority.
    
  • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
    
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management to interact with customers, suppliers, and executives.
    
• Preferred:
  
  • Experience in high-mix, low-volume EMS environments or regulated industries (e.g., medical, aerospace).
    
  • Knowledge of supply chain management and vendor coordination.
    

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor settings, with occasional travel to customer or supplier sites.
  
• Requires flexibility to handle urgent production issues or project deadlines.