Job Description – NPI Engineer
Role Summary
The NPI Engineer is responsible for leading the mechanical
aspect of new product introduction from concept through production launch. This
role ensures product designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet
quality and timeline requirements. The engineer will collaborate with
cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, quality, and supply
chain to ensure a smooth product transition into mass production.
Key Responsibilities
1. Product Development & Design Support
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Work
with R&D/design teams to review mechanical designs for
manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA)
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Provide
inputs on materials, tolerances, and design optimization
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Support
prototype builds and validation testing
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Identify
and resolve design-related issues before production
2. New Product Introduction (NPI) Execution
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Drive
NPI activities from prototype to pilot runs and mass production
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Develop
and execute NPI project timelines, milestones, and deliverables
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Coordinate
engineering builds (EVT, DVT, PVT stages where applicable)
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Ensure
readiness of manufacturing processes prior to launch
3. Manufacturing Process Development
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Define
and validate assembly processes, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions
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Collaborate
with production teams to establish efficient manufacturing workflows
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Conduct
process capability studies and implement improvements
4. Supplier & Component Management
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Work
with suppliers to develop and qualify new components
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Support
supplier selection, tooling validation, and PPAP submissions
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Ensure
parts meet design specifications, quality, and cost targets
5. Quality & Risk Management
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Participate
in DFMEA / PFMEA and risk mitigation activities
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Support
root cause analysis and corrective actions for NPI issues
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Ensure
compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements
6. Documentation & Reporting
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Maintain
complete NPI documentation: BOM, drawings, change requests (ECO/ECN)
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Track
project status, risks, and key metrics
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Prepare
reports and updates for stakeholders and management
Required Qualifications
Education
-
Bachelor’s
degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Experience
-
5–8
years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in NPI or
product development
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Experience
in manufacturing or high-volume production environments preferred
Technical Skills
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Strong
knowledge of mechanical design fundamentals
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Proficiency
in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, NX, etc.)
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Experience
with:
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DFM
/ DFA principles
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GD&T
(Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
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Material
selection & manufacturing processes (machining, injection moulding,
sheet metal, casting)
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Familiarity
with:
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APQP,
PPAP, FMEA methodologies
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Root
cause analysis techniques (8D, Fishbone, etc.)