NPI Quality Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented NPI Quality Engineer to serve as the primary advocate for quality from initial concept through mass production. This role acts as the "voice of the customer" within cross-functional teams, ensuring every new design is robust, compliant, and ready for a zero-defect launch. You will serve as a key liaison between our Nashua, NH site and our global manufacturing locations in Mexico, Vietnam, and China, ensuring seamless technical transfers and excellence in documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• NPI Quality Planning & Execution:
  • Create and maintain Quality Plans, Control Plans, and Inspection Plans for new products
  • Perform and facilitate Design Reviews, DFMEA, and PFMEA activities
  • Develop and help execute Design Verification and Validation (DV/PV) plans, including test method development and statistical analysis
  • Lead FAI (First Article Inspection) submissions and approvals with customers and internal stakeholders
• Supplier & Process Quality:
  • Support supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing development for new components
  • Conduct supplier process audits and PPAP reviews
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering on process capability studies (Cp/Cpk, Gage R&R) and production line qualification
• Risk Management & Problem Solving:
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate quality risks throughout the product lifecycle
  • Lead root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.) for NPI issues
  • Capture and drive Lessons Learned and Best Practices into future programs
• Compliance & Continuous Improvement:
  • Ensure products meet applicable standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, AS9100, FDA, etc., depending on industry)
  • Support internal and external audits (customer, certification body, regulatory)
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, Six Sigma, Lean) within the NPI process
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Act as the primary quality interface with Design Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Customer teams
  • Participate in daily and weekly NPI program meetings and gate reviews
  • Present quality status and risks to leadership
  • Identify and facilitate initiatives related to cost improvement, quality enhancement, and product performance benchmarking
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15–25%

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's preferred)
• 4–8 years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 3 years of direct NPI / New Product Development quality experience
• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and GD&T
• Experience with formal problem-solving methodologies (8D, DMAIC, A3)
• Proficiency with statistical tools and software (Minitab, JMP, or equivalent)
• Solid understanding of drawing interpretation and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and document control
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and MES systems (Windchill, SAP, Teamcenter, etc.)
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) preferred
• Experience in regulated industries (Automotive, Medical Device, Aerospace, Electronics)
• Knowledge of advanced quality tools (QFD, DOE, ORT, reliability testing, FTA)
• Excellent communication skills, enabling collaboration with technical and non-technical personnel, including assembly process engineers across multiple regions