Sr. New Product Introduction Engineer

KF•Tempe, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking the ideal candidate to join our New Product Introduction team in Tempe, AZ! As a Senior NPI Engineer, you bridge the gap between initial design and high-volume manufacturing by translating complex requirements into scalable production realities. You lead the end-to-end transition process—developing comprehensive manufacturing plans, defining process flows, and synthesizing DFM/T feedback to ensure product manufacturability. The day-to-day NPI engineers lead prototype hardware builds to support product development schedules, ensuring smooth transitions from development to production. They prepare both the product and the organization for manufacturing, establish key performance metrics to measure operational success, and conduct lessons-learned reviews to drive continuous improvement by: Providing expert guidance and implement industry best practices in manufacturing and testing methodologies to ensure high-quality production standards Collaborating with Business Area leadership and engineering teams to support new product development, ensuring alignment within cost and schedule targets Working closely with Operational leadership and development teams to facilitate a smooth transition of new products into production Identifying and assessing potential manufacturing bottlenecks, mitigating technical risks, and solving complex engineering challenges throughout the product lifecycle Supporting the engineering, drawing release and procurement of prototype materials and services

Requirements

10+ years' experience with new product manufacturing hardware
Proven ability to use data to support and defend recommendations
Experience with full product lifecycle – active involvement in product development to manufacturing floor support in a small to medium volume facility
Demonstrated experience engaging with contract manufacturers on prototype hardware builds
Strong advocate for configuration management – hardware and software BOM configuration
Solid technical acumen and communication skills—capable of engaging in detailed technical discussions while simplifying complex topics for broader audiences.
Ability to advocate for and apply applicable regulations, IPC specifications, workmanship standards, etc.
Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience
US citizenship required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineer or Manufacturing Engineering
Strong technical skills across multiple engineering disciplines, including high-speed digital and RF electronics, mechanical design, and optics
Hands-on experience in product development, problem solving, and transitioning products into production
Strong experience in electro-mechanical hardware fabrication, product assembly, and testing
Proactive leadership style, preference for hands-on involvement, assumes accountability for individual contributions
Extensive experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and Bill of Materials (BOM) structuring to support manufacturing
Knowledge of space hardware requirements

Responsibilities

Lead prototype hardware builds to support product development schedules, ensuring smooth transitions from development to production.
Prepare both the product and the organization for manufacturing.
Establish key performance metrics to measure operational success.
Conduct lessons-learned reviews to drive continuous improvement.
Provide expert guidance and implement industry best practices in manufacturing and testing methodologies to ensure high-quality production standards.
Collaborate with Business Area leadership and engineering teams to support new product development, ensuring alignment within cost and schedule targets.
Work closely with Operational leadership and development teams to facilitate a smooth transition of new products into production.
Identify and assess potential manufacturing bottlenecks, mitigate technical risks, and solve complex engineering challenges throughout the product lifecycle.
Support the engineering, drawing release and procurement of prototype materials and services.