Mechanical Engineer, New Product Introduction (NPI) Team Lead

Re:Build Manufacturing•Rochester, NY

20h•$106,000 - $159,000•Onsite

About The Position

Re:Build's mission is to ensure the next generation of important products are made, at scale, in America. They are laying the foundation for a better future for their customers, employees, and communities by revitalizing America's manufacturing base and creating meaningful jobs across the country. Re:Build operates an advanced, end-to-end manufacturing platform that partners with industrial companies and innovators to take products from first concept to full-scale production in critical verticals including aerospace and defense, electrification, medical, energy and environment, and robotics and automation. The way they operate is guided by The Re:Build Way, 16 principles that shape how they collaborate with each other, partner with their customers and vendors, and contribute to the communities where they operate. Re:Build Optimation specializes in delivering custom-engineered process equipment and automated systems to clients across the globe. With nearly 40 years of experience in complex chemical process systems, they have built a reputation for precision, reliability, and innovation. Their multidisciplinary team of 70+ engineers, designers, and programmers, combined with 150,000 square feet of fabrication space and over 70 skilled tradespeople, allows them to provide full turnkey solutions—from initial concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning. As part of Re:Build Manufacturing, they leverage the strength of a national industrial powerhouse while maintaining the agility and personalized service of a niche firm. They serve industries ranging from traditional and green energy to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, glass, and advanced manufacturing, offering tailored solutions that optimize efficiency and performance. At Re:Build Optimation, they believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with their clients to develop solutions that align with their unique operational goals. Their deep industry expertise and end-to-end capabilities make them the ideal partner for companies seeking cutting-edge automation, process control, and engineered systems. This role is for a Mechanical NPI Lead to guide the New Product Introduction engineering team and help move mechanical designs from concept through production launch. The role reports to the Director of Mechanical Machine Engineering and Design and combines technical leadership, project execution, team development, and client partnership. The individual will apply design for manufacturability and assembly principles to identify risks early and create products that can be produced safely, efficiently, and consistently. This role requires an onsite presence in Rochester, New York, and up to 25% travel.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Seven or more years of mechanical engineering experience supporting new product introduction.
Experience with concept development, prototyping, design for manufacturability, design for assembly, and production launch.
Experience reducing launch risk through manufacturing-feasibility reviews, tolerance analysis, testing, and iterative design validation.
Five or more years of experience using SolidWorks or a comparable 3D CAD platform, including complex assemblies, master models, or surface modeling.
Knowledge of common manufacturing processes, such as machining, sheet metal fabrication, molding, extrusion, or casting.
Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary projects from concept through completion.
The ability to solve technical problems, manage risk, and communicate with technical and nontechnical audiences.
The ability to travel up to 25%.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading technical teams
Familiarity with product data management systems
FEA, CFD, or multiphysics simulation
Knowledge of ISO 9001, Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement methods
A Professional Engineer license or eligibility for licensure

Responsibilities

Lead the NPI team’s day-to-day work, priorities, and resource planning.
Coach team members and support recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
Direct multidisciplinary engineering projects from early feasibility through prototype, pilot build, production launch, and manufacturing handoff.
Oversee mechanical designs, drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
Lead design for manufacturability and design for assembly reviews to address production risks early.
Apply Manufacturing Constrained Design, 3P, and 2P methods to simplify designs, reduce waste, and support scalable production.
Direct prototype builds, tolerance analysis, testing, and design validation.
Partner with manufacturing, sourcing, internal trades, outside builders, and other engineering teams.
Create project plans, schedules, proposals, cost estimates, and risk-mitigation strategies.
Develop engineering calculations, design standards, technical documentation, and drawing packages.
Build client relationships, communicate technical recommendations, and support business-development opportunities.
Promote safe design and work practices throughout each project.