NPI / Industrial Engineer

The NPI / Industrial Engineer is responsible for leading new product introductions from concept through production while improving manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost. This role partners closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality to ensure smooth product launches, strong process control, and continuous improvement across the shop floor.

This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment, requiring strong ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to troubleshoot and improve processes in real time.

Knowledge / Skills:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, workflow optimization, and production support
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with time studies, line balancing, and capacity planning
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (BOMs, routings, work orders)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• Effective cross-functional communication with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications / Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• 3–7+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and process development
• Preferred experience in cable assemblies, connectors, or similar discrete manufacturing environments
• Experience working in a hands-on, shop-floor-focused role
• Exposure to CAD tools and/or process simulation tools is a plus

Duties / Responsibilities:

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead end-to-end NPI activities from concept through production launch
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, work instructions, and tooling requirements
• Partner with Design Engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Support pilot builds, process validation, and production readiness reviews
• Create and maintain BOMs, routings, and manufacturing documentation in ERP systems
• Support customer requirements including APQP, PPAP, and First Article Inspections (FAI) 

Industrial Engineering & Process Optimization

• Analyze and improve production workflows to increase efficiency and throughput
• Conduct time studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis
• Identify and implement cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives
• Develop and maintain standard work and ensure adherence on the shop floor 
• Drive continuous improvement efforts using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles 

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes meet quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
• Partner with Quality to reduce defects, scrap, and rework
• Maintain compliance with QMS and applicable industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001) 

Production Support

• Provide daily engineering support to manufacturing operations
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement sustainable solutions
• Monitor KPIs such as on-time delivery, efficiency, scrap, and cycle time
• Support equipment selection, facility layout, and workflow optimization

Physical / Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, equipment, and varying temperatures
• Frequent standing, walking, and interaction on the production floor
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Security Access:

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to successfully pass a government background investigation.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities