NPI Engineer

SSW Advanced Technologies•Louisville, KY

1d•Remote

About The Position

SSW Advanced Technologies, LLC is a global manufacturer and engineering solutions provider specializing in advanced motion, automation, and electromechanical technologies. SSW serves a diverse customer base across multiple industries, with a rapidly expanding footprint in the HVAC segment, supporting the development and production of innovative, high‑performance components and systems that enable energy efficiency, reliability, and scalability. The New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer plays a critical role in bridging the gap between product design and manufacturing, ensuring that new products—particularly within SSW’s growing HVAC business segment—are introduced efficiently, cost‑effectively, and in compliance with rigorous quality standards. This role is responsible for managing the transition of new products from development through full‑scale production, coordinating cross‑functional teams to resolve technical issues and optimize manufacturing processes. The NPI Engineer will analyze product designs for manufacturability, develop and maintain detailed process documentation, and establish manufacturing workflows that meet customer requirements, regulatory expectations, and internal quality standards. Working closely with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and global suppliers, the NPI Engineer will proactively identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies early in the product lifecycle. This position requires close collaboration with Japan‑based customers and suppliers, making professional fluency in Japanese and English essential. The NPI Engineer will serve as a technical liaison across organizations and cultures, ensuring alignment on technical requirements, schedules, and launch readiness. Ultimately, the NPI Engineer ensures that new HVAC and advanced technology products are launched on schedule, within budget, and at targeted performance and reliability levels, directly contributing to SSW Advanced Technologies’ growth, operational excellence, and competitive advantage in the global manufacturing industry.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field).
3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or new product introduction within a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and product lifecycle management.
Proficiency with CAD software and manufacturing process simulation tools.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a team environment.
Bilingual in English and Japanese.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and data analysis tools.
Project management certification or experience managing complex product introduction projects.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to manufacturing.
Advanced degree in Engineering or related discipline.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from design release through pilot builds, production ramp‑up, and mass production, ensuring adherence to defined timelines, quality standards, and cost targets
Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes for new products
Serve as the primary technical liaison between SSW, Japan‑based customers, suppliers, and internal cross‑functional teams, facilitating clear communication in Japanese and English
Analyze product designs to ensure design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA), recommending and driving design changes to improve production efficiency, quality, and yield
Create, maintain, and review detailed process documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, routings, FMEAs, and control plans
Plan, lead, and execute prototype builds, pilot builds, and production trials, identifying manufacturing risks and resolving issues prior to full‑scale production
Coordinate with suppliers to ensure component readiness, quality compliance, and on‑time delivery in support of new product launches
Support supplier qualification and performance monitoring, including audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
Monitor and analyze production metrics (yield, scrap, cycle time, cost, and throughput) and implement improvements to optimize performance and reduce cost
Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action activities for issues identified during the NPI phase and early production
Partner with Quality Engineering to support PPAP, validation testing, SPC, and change management (ECO/ECN) activities
Manage project schedules, assess risks, and communicate NPI status, issues, and mitigation plans to internal leadership and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely product introduction