NPI Engineer

Tomball Controls • San Antonio, TX

1d

About The Position

The NPI Engineer leads the industrialization and launch of new metal-mechanical products, with an emphasis on datacenter enclosures and assemblies. The role acts as the technical link between Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to help ensure products are manufacturable, cost-effective, compliant, and delivered on schedule.

The position leads New Product Introduction activities from concept freeze through pilot builds, ramp-up, and full-scale production. It defines and executes phase-gate deliverables, reviews enclosure designs, improves fabrication processes, validates manufacturing processes, supports program schedules, and formally hands products and processes over to Manufacturing and Operations. The role also captures lessons learned and standardizes practices for future programs.

Tomball Controls manufactures custom fuel tanks, sound-attenuated enclosures, and access platforms for emergency power generators, serving clients across various industries.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of experience in NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, or Process Engineering within a metal-mechanical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects or workstreams within a structured NPI or product development framework.
• Hands-on experience with datacenter infrastructure products, including enclosures and electrical or mechanical housings.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, PDM, or AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems such as Epicor, SAP, or Oracle, and with PLM tools.
• Lean manufacturing and problem-solving certifications or training, such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout production facilities.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, production, and leadership teams.
• Formal project management training or certification, such as PMP, CAPM, or equivalent.
• Ability to drive change and lead cross-functional teams.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and committed to safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI activities from concept freeze through pilot, ramp-up, and full-scale production.
• Define and execute NPI phase-gate deliverables, including DFM/DFA, process readiness, cost targets, and risk assessments.
• Review enclosure designs, including sheet metal components, frames, doors, panels, and weldments, for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and serviceability.
• Drive design improvements to optimize laser cutting, punching, bending, welding, machining, and fastening processes.
• Validate manufacturing processes through first article inspections (FAI), capability studies, and analysis of pilot build data.
• Serve as the primary NPI manufacturing liaison with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Operations teams.
• Support program schedules and ensure manufacturing readiness aligns with customer delivery commitments.
• Execute formal handoff of products and processes to Manufacturing and Operations teams.
• Capture lessons learned during NPI and standardize best practices for future programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level