NPI Manufacturing Engineer III

Rubbercraft is seeking an NPI Manufacturing Engineer III to support the introduction, development, validation, and transition of new products into production. This role develops manufacturing processes, improves producibility and process capability, and supports successful production launches of rubber and elastomer-based products. About Rubbercraft: Rubbercraft is a leader in engineered elastomer solutions serving aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. We design and manufacture precision-molded seals, gaskets, and custom rubber components for demanding applications. Essential Duties and Responsibilities New Product Introduction & Process DevelopmentDevelop and transfer new products into production by defining manufacturing methods and supporting implementation.Develop, document, validate, and improve process sequences, tooling, equipment requirements, and production controls.Translate drawings, customer, product, and contractual requirements into manufacturable process plans, including BOMs, routers, work instructions, inspection documentation, and labor assumptions.Support prototype and pilot builds, first articles, production readiness reviews, and handoff to operations.Review designs and technical requirements for manufacturability risks, process constraints, tooling needs, inspection challenges, and cost drivers.Support phase gate activities and communicate manufacturing risks, open actions, and resource requirements. Manufacturing & Process SupportApply knowledge of rubber manufacturing processes, including compression, transfer and injection molding, extrusion, bonding, coating, and secondary operations.Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for elastomeric and polymer-based products.Define process parameters, tooling, equipment requirements, and controls to support repeatable process capability.Support tooling, fixtures, jigs, templates, and manufacturing aids.Partner with Design Engineering on manufacturability, producibility, inspection feasibility, and cost.Support process trials, production builds, and manufacturing studies. Quality, Documentation & Continuous ImprovementSupport QMS, engineering, customer, and aerospace/defense requirements.Create and maintain BOMs, routers, work instructions, process flows, production readiness records, and related manufacturing documentation.Support drawing/GD&T review, mechanical testing, inspection planning, and process validation.Develop and maintain labor standards and process assumptions supporting capacity and cost.Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions for launch and production issues.Support improvements in productivity, scrap, rework, cycle time, cost, 6S, and Lean Manufacturing.Recommend process, tooling, equipment, documentation, or training improvements to improve manufacturing stability.Support capital equipment, tooling, automation, and manufacturing improvement projects. Cross-Functional SupportPartner with Design Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Tooling, Planning, and Program Management to support product launches.Communicate technical risks, schedule impacts, resource needs, and process constraints.Forecast labor, equipment, capacity, tooling, and process needs.Support supplier, tooling, equipment, and outside-processing activities.Support multiple projects and launches in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Chemical, Materials Engineering, or related technical field.5+ years of manufacturing engineering, NPI, process engineering, or related experience.Experience supporting new product introduction, production launch, process development, or process improvement.Experience developing manufacturing methods, process documentation, production controls, tooling concepts, or production-readiness deliverables.Aerospace, defense, rubber/polymer, or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing experience preferred. Technical SkillsKnowledge of manufacturing engineering and NPI processes.Knowledge of rubber manufacturing processes such as molding, extrusion, bonding, coating, and tooling.Ability to define process sequences, controls, labor standards, equipment needs, and tooling requirements.CAD experience supporting fixtures, jigs, layouts, tooling concepts, and manufacturing aids.Working knowledge of GD&T, drawings, mechanical testing, process validation, and inspection requirements.Experience with DFMEA/PFMEA, root cause analysis, corrective action, and manufacturing risk reduction.Familiarity with BOMs, routers, work instructions, ERP/MRP systems, QMS requirements, and Microsoft Office.Strong practical problem-solving, technical reasoning, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Preferred QualificationsLean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent.Aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing experience.AS9100 or similar QMS experience.Experience with PLM, ERP/MRP, SQL/reporting, or engineering data tools.Capital equipment justification, installation, validation, or implementation experience.Experience with rubber-to-metal bonding, elastomeric seals, molded rubber, extrusion, coatings, automation, or additive manufacturing. BENEFITS:At Rubbercraft, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.RCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.