Manufacturing Engineering Manager (NPI)

Responsibilities

• Own and lead end-to-end manufacturing execution for NPI, ensuring deliverables, risks, and milestones are met on schedule; accountable for on-time readiness to program deadlines
• Lead a small dedicated manufacturing engineering team, including mentoring a Junior Manufacturing Engineer to deliver parallel workstreams across programs
• Drive manufacturing technical readiness across builds: process development, documentation, optimization, validation, and handoff to sustaining/operations
• Provide technical leadership and prioritization across projects, balancing hands-on execution with delegation, coaching, and daily coordination to maintain velocity and quality
• Tactically manage factory teams and partners on design and qualification of fixtures and equipment; apply data-driven methodologies to determine how to leverage automation for as many processes as possible versus manual assembly
• Execute DFX and apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies throughout development and production; influence design decisions to improve yield, reliability, manufacturability, scaleability, and cost
• Define and conduct DOEs, FA, and structured problem solving (DMAIC, 8D, etc.) to prevent or resolve manufacturing challenges, identify root cause, and implement corrective/preventive actions
• Drive cross-functional work on rapid development cycles while continuously evaluating options for optimal form, fit, and function
• Provide clear program-level communication: project status, risk/issue tracking, build readiness, and escalation aligned to leadership expectations
• Coordinate parallel path/contingency efforts for high-risk milestones and supplier readiness gaps
• Partner closely with CM/JDM and internal stakeholders to align schedule, capacity, test coverage, and quality targets

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field
• 7+ years of manufacturing experience with moderate to high volume consumer electronics (technical lead experience strongly preferred)
• Experience with multiple manufacturing joining methods, adhesives, heat staking, and assembly of small battery-powered electronics utilizing both automated and manual processes
• Demonstrated understanding of injection molded plastic part principles, defect modes, and process qualification
• Understanding of GD&T principles to define and evaluate process quality
• Proven track record qualifying manufacturing processes and troubleshooting issues on the factory floor
• Proficiency in SolidWorks with best practices for fixture design
• Impeccable organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs
• Experience effectively communicating with engineering, manufacturing, and external partners and contractors in a CM/JDM model
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers, lead cross-functional teams, and drive accountability across distributed partners