NPI Engineering Manager

IDEX Corporation•Boulder, CO

5d•$124,000 - $186,000•Onsite

About The Position

Advanced Thin Films (ATF) develops and manufactures high-performance optical components for advanced laser applications. The NPI Engineering Manager leads the integration of new products, processes, and technologies into high-volume manufacturing, serving as the primary owner of new product introduction from concept through production readiness. This role acts as the central bridge between Technology & Innovation, Process Engineering, and Operations, ensuring new products are developed, validated, and transitioned into stable, scalable manufacturing. As a member of the site leadership team, this role drives alignment across engineering and operational functions while ensuring technical execution supports business objectives. This role is highly cross-functional and externally facing, serving as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions on specifications, feasibility, and performance validation. The environment is fast-paced and evolving, requiring strong prioritization, coordination across multiple programs, and the ability to manage competing priorities. This role operates in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities, requiring strong judgment, adaptability, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. This is a strategic leadership role focused on program execution, technical direction, and successful product integration, with accountability for aligning engineering efforts with manufacturing readiness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)
8–10+ years of experience in engineering, product development, or manufacturing environments
5+ years of experience leading engineering teams, including direct people management
Experience leading new product introduction, product transfer, and manufacturing scale-up
Experience working directly with customers on technical requirements and product development
Strong systems thinker with the ability to connect product design, process capability, and manufacturing execution
Proficiency with statistical tools and structured problem-solving methods
Strong program and project management capability across multiple concurrent initiatives
Ability to operate effectively in complex, cross-functional environments with competing priorities
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to translate customer requirements into practical engineering and manufacturing solutions
Strong organizational and decision-making skills
Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., ITAR/EAR) preferred

Nice To Haves

Strong knowledge of optical components and systems (coatings, lenses, alignment, metrology) preferred
Experience supporting manufacturing operations and cross-functional teams
Experience operating in a Lean manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

New Product Integration & Manufacturing Readiness
Own end-to-end integration of new products into manufacturing, from prototype through production readiness
Define and manage NPI program structure, including gates, milestones, risk mitigation, and deliverables
Ensure manufacturing readiness through validation, process definition, and transition planning
Establish clear ownership and formal handoff to Process Engineering, ensuring defined readiness criteria and transition of accountability for sustained production performance
Support product changes, expansions, and lifecycle updates to existing product lines
Customer & Technical Leadership
Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions on specifications, feasibility, and performance validation
Provide technical direction for the design and development of laser-based optical products and assemblies
Lead resolution of customer-facing technical issues and field performance concerns
Manage technical risks related to laser safety, optical performance, contamination control, and thermal effects
Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) to ensure scalable production
Engineering Program Leadership & Execution
Lead cross-functional execution of NPI programs, ensuring alignment across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain
Manage multiple programs simultaneously, balancing timelines, technical complexity, and resource constraints with clear accountability and disciplined follow-through
Drive design reviews, prototype builds, validation testing, and readiness assessments
Ensure clear communication of program status, risks, and priorities across stakeholders
Engineering Sales Support & RFQs
Own engineering support for RFQs, including feasibility assessment, cost modeling, and timeline development
Partner with Sales to translate customer requirements into manufacturable engineering solutions
Ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality responses to customer inquiries and new opportunities
People Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop a team of engineers and scientists, with accountability for team performance and output
Establish clear priorities and expectations aligned with business and program objectives
Recruit, onboard, and develop engineering talent to support current and future needs
Build strong technical capability and cross-functional collaboration within the team
Address performance gaps through direct feedback and performance management
Process Development, Systems & Continuous Improvement
Partner with Process Engineering and Operations to ensure new processes are defined, documented, and ready for scale
Develop and improve engineering systems related to design control, documentation, and change management
Drive standardization of engineering tools, templates, and methodologies
Identify opportunities to improve NPI workflows, efficiency, and scalability through systems and process improvements
Metrics, Daily Management & Execution
Define and track KPIs related to NPI performance, including schedule adherence, readiness, and successful product transfer
Lead structured program reviews and daily management routines focused on critical priorities and issue resolution
Utilize data and structured problem-solving to drive decision-making and program execution