Principal NPI Supplier Engineer (Hybrid - Acton, MA)
About The Position
The Principal NPI Supplier Engineer is a key member of the Supplier Development Engineering group, which is part of Insulet’s Global Procurement and Supplier Development organization. Insulet manages a global supply chain and sources precision components and commodities from around the world for use in its devices. This role is responsible for the management of all NPI components, capital, and part design across the NPI project for the SDE team. This role will be used to implement cutting-edge technology in component manufacturing and will work closely with peers in R&D, manufacturing, Quality, and Sourcing, to lead and implement new capital equipment and tooling at suppliers focused on enabling successful new product launches through supplier engagement, component readiness, and cross-functional collaboration. This role blends supplier engineering with hands-on involvement in early-stage R&D and pilot manufacturing activities. Working closely with internal R&D teams and a wide variety of external suppliers, this position ensures that suppliers are technically capable, validated, and aligned with the requirements of next-generation products.
Requirements
- Strong communicator and collaborator across engineering, operations, and supplier teams
- Proven ability to lead tooling programs
- Skilled at navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in fast-paced, cross-functional environments
- Demonstrated ability to influence decisions and outcomes across organizational boundaries
- Expertise in supplier process development, component validation, and tooling qualification
- Demonstrated success in leading supplier engineering efforts for complex NPI projects in regulated environments
- Strong project management and cross-functional skills
- Experience with technical capability assessments
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Engineering (Plastics, Mechanical, Molding)
- Minimum 12+ years relevant working experience in the plastics industry
- Proficiency in 3D design systems
- Fluent in DFM work related to custom components (plastics, Metals, Electronics, etc..)
- Ability to trouble shoot issues with components and/or processes
- Root Cause Analyses (RCA) skills
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of GD+T
- Understanding of plastics and metals ASTM specs
Responsibilities
- Oversee supplier validation activities including component qualification, tooling deployment, and process capability assessments
- Partner with R&D teams to ensure supplier processes support pilot line performance, design validation, and manufacturability goals
- Lead supplier engagement for DFM/DFA initiatives, driving early collaboration to optimize component design and production efficiency
- Fluent use of tooling design and DFM programs/tools to design and standardize robust and optimum tools
- Anticipate and mitigate manufacturability risks proactively, and lead testing strategies to validate and de-risk component design
- Lead capacity planning and scalability initiatives and manage CAPEX investments to support growth based on design maturity
- Work with suppliers to maximize tool economics and understand all aspects of the manufacturing of plastic components
- Work with NPD managers to review new designs and propose feasibility on the same
- Work with NPD on sourcing prototypes
- Lead/Consult at design review meetings with suppliers
- Be on the forefront of new component and material technology
- Specify and review designs for equipment, tooling, materials, and part designs
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Additional employee wellness programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
