Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer

Clearfield•Minneapolis, MN

17h•$84,294 - $126,441

About The Position

The NPI Engineer is responsible for the effective implementation of new product designs by ensuring a successful transition from the design phase into manufacturing and mass production. The NPI Engineer provides engineering expertise for operations, and they develop new manufacturing processes, equipment, documents, instructions, training, and tools necessary for product introductions and product line transfers between facilities. The NPI Engineer is the lead engineering liaison between product development and operations. The NPI Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain, to establish robust processes, develop necessary documentation, and facilitate training, ensuring seamless transitions between product design and manufacturing operations. The ultimate goal is to successfully implement new products, processes, and equipment to drive new product adoption, efficiency, and sustained growth.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum Three Years of applied experience as a manufacturing Engineer or NPI Engineer in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Possesses engineering-level understanding of manufacturing processes and new product development.
Demonstrates strong technical writing acumen and the ability to convey complex techniques and processes through text, photo, and video.
Demonstrated ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, MRP/ERP systems, etc.)
Strong problem-solving skills and creativity in developing sound technical solutions to business problems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work individually and in teams.
Able to travel both domestically and internationally approximately (up to ten percent of time)
Continuous improvement mindset
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
Ability to multitask and handle competing priorities
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; understand urgency and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Background in manufacture of fiber optic deployment products and fiber optic termination processes highly desirable.
Experience with Epicor a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop, test, analyze, and implement new processes and procedures during the design and implementation phases of projects.
Identify manufacturing process steps, floor resources, documents, tools, fixtures, and equipment required to manufacture new products.
Identify, implement, and validate capital equipment, tooling, and test equipment required to successfully set up or transfer products between facilities.
Create, validate, and adjust new product BOMs
Develop clear and concise work instructions for new products or integrate new products into existing instructions.
Perform time studies to establish and validate process times for new products and procedures.
Ensure clarity, consistency, and cohesion of product documentation by analyzing product drawings, BOMs, manufacturing instructions, and training documents.
Qualify new products, sourced materials, equipment, and processes as they pertain to manufacturing of Clearfield product.
Develop, refine, and support existing manufacturing processes and issue engineering change requests as needed.
Collaborate with design engineering during product development and prototyping to ensure design for manufacturability.
Collaborate with design engineering, product management, compliance lab, and quality assurance to establish qualification procedures and ensure compliance of first articles and initial production runs.
Interface with design engineers, project managers, product managers, application engineers, quality assurance, supply chain, and manufacturing personnel to address any issues with first article, qualification, or initial production builds.
Serve as a liaison between design engineering, product management, quality assurance, and manufacturing to ensure alignment on processes and documentation.
Support manufacturing engineers and quality assurance in Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and statistical process control efforts.
Develop and deliver training programs for manufacturing personnel to ensure they understand new processes, equipment, and product specifications.
Lead training builds and first article builds of new assemblies and configurations across manufacturing sites
Investigate and develop resolutions for deviations and discrepancies in new production components and assemblies.
Perform troubleshooting, analyze defects, identify and implement corrective actions.
Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to address potential challenges throughout the product introduction lifecycle.
Create and develop efficient manufacturing methods for new products and establish best practices in manufacturing.
Monitor product performance and production metrics post-launch, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and overall product success.
Participate in process redesign and line layout to accomplish Lean manufacturing cost reduction objectives
This description of duties is not intended to be all-inclusive or to limit the discretionary authority to assign other tasks of a similar nature and/or level of responsibility.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
100% company paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurance coverage.
100% company paid Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance coverage.
100% company paid Business Travel Accident (BTA) insurance.
100% company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additional voluntary benefits are offered.
401K plan: Maximum match is 4.5% of the first 6% of contribution.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Clearfield's Time Off Policy includes Personal Time Off (PTO) beginning at three weeks annually.
PTO is accrued on the first of the month starting on day of hire.
Voluntary Time Off (VTO) eight hours each calendar year, In addition, nine paid holidays per year.