NPI Product Engineer

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive, and clean technology sectors. The Fremont facility is a full-service enclosure systems solution manufacturing plant offering low-to-mid volume New Product Introduction (NPI) runs to full-scale volume, including in-house painting, flexible logistics, and repair services.

About the role

The NPI Fabrication Product Engineer plays a pivotal role in bringing new sheet metal and electromechanical products from concept to full-scale production. Acting as the technical bridge between Design Engineering, Customers, Quality, and Shop-Floor Operations, this role ensures new products are optimized for manufacturability, cost, yield, and seamless integration into manufacturing lines.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and commercial leadership for the development and manufacture of new product platforms to deliver competitive advantage, meet financial/growth goals, and exceed customer performance and quality expectations at or below target costs.
• Oversee early build phases (Alpha, Beta, Pilot runs), driving prototype execution, validating shop-floor processes, and resolving early manufacturing bottlenecks before full volume release.
• Support sales by participating in Project Technical Reviews to guide manufacturing.
• Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) processes for initial product builds to ensure prototype parts meet customer specs and engineering tolerances.
• Conduct rigorous Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews on early-stage customer CAD models, drawings, and prototypes prior to release.
• Create, structure, and maintain accurate pre-production Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly structures, and detailed Production Routings in the ERP system for new product launches.
• Review vendor drawings to ensure accuracy and suitability for the application and distribution.
• Upload, organize, and track technical specifications, engineering drawings, and customer documentation in Agile PLM through initial engineering releases and ECOs/ECNs.
• Collaborate with the entire engineering department, Procurement, and Pricing teams to support product development, RFQs, and pricing tools.
• Identify and coordinate procurement of specialized tooling, welding jigs, and bending fixtures required for new product launches.
• Participate in company training events, industry-related training or certification classes, and marketing/industry sector events.
• Travel as necessary to client projects, vendor, jobsite, and event locations.
• Implement and maintain engineering objectives and initiatives such as cost savings and complexity reductions.

Requirements

• BS degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent hands-on technical experience).
• 2-3+ years in a fabrication, sheet metal, or electromechanical environment, with a strong emphasis on New Product Introduction (NPI) or launch engineering.
• Deep practical understanding of metal deformation, bend deductions, grain direction, standard tooling constraints, welding sequencing, and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite; preferred experience with Google Workspace.
• Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Proven track record in prototype execution, pilot runs, line layout validation, and hand-off to sustaining operations.
• Advanced experience with Agile PLM and standard ERP platforms (e.g., Oracle, SAP) for configuring initial part masters and production structures.
• Expertise in interpreting complex 2D GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) drawings and navigating 3D CAD platforms (SolidWorks, Pro/E, Inventor).
• Demonstrated ability to articulate technical constraints, trade-offs, and DFM recommendations to customer design engineers, suppliers, and shop-floor technicians.
• Excellent problem-solving skills; preferred strong root-cause analysis skills (5-Why, 8D) to resolve unexpected issues during fast-paced prototype builds.
• Ability to act independently and resourcefully to solve problems and ensure high levels of technical accuracy and quality.
• Flexibility to discern appropriate plans of action when working on multiple tasks.
• Must be a US Citizen or lawful permanent resident (ITAR facility requirement).

Pay

Annual salary range: $80,000 - $99,500. Actual base pay within this range will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Eligibility for restricted stock unit awards (depending on the role)
• Participation in a discretionary bonus program (depending on the role)