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

• Serve as lead manufacturing engineer on one program while guiding execution on a second program through a small team

• Support and develop a small manufacturing engineering team, including mentoring a Junior Manufacturing Engineer and guiding an in-region (Asia) Process Engineer to deliver parallel workstreams

• Drive manufacturing technical readiness across builds: process development, documentation, optimization, validation, and handoff to sustaining/operations

• Provide technical leadership and prioritization across two projects, balancing hands-on execution with delegation and coordination to maintain velocity and quality

• Work closely with factory teams and partners on design and qualification of fixtures and equipment; apply data-driven methodologies to determine automation vs. manual assembly strategies

• Execute DFX and apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies throughout development and production; influence design decisions to improve yield, reliability, manufacturability, scalability, and cost

• Ensure processes meet product specification requirements and are verified via robust process control and qualification plans

• 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

• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field

• 7+ years of manufacturing experience with moderate to high volume consumer electronics (experience leading or mentoring engineers preferred)

• Experience with ultrasonic welding, 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

• Strong 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 workstreams, and drive accountability across distributed partners