Process Engineer - NPI & Test Development603 Manufacturing | Precision Cable & Electro-Mechanical Assembly603 Manufacturing is seeking a highly organized, technically capable Process Engineer to join our New Product Introduction (NPI) team. This role is responsible for developing robust manufacturing processes, creating standardized production documentation, supporting new product introductions, and owning cable and wire harness electrical test development.
The successful candidate will become the primary owner of Cirris CH2 test programming and validation. Prior Cirris experience is beneficial but not required for candidates with strong process engineering and electrical test fundamentals.
This position works closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and customers supporting high-reliability aerospace, defense, and space programs.
What You'll Do- Lead the introduction of new cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and electro-mechanical assemblies into production.
- Review engineering drawings, schematics, BOMs, and customer specifications.
- Develop manufacturing processes that support repeatability, quality, and throughput.
- Participate in first-piece and prototype builds, documenting lessons learned and process improvements.
- Identify tooling, fixturing, and equipment requirements for new programs.
- Create and maintain manufacturing work instructions, visual aids, process documentation, and standardized templates.
- Establish process controls, inspection points, and quality checkpoints.
- Document first article builds, process validations, and manufacturing best practices.
Electrical Test Development- Develop and maintain electrical test procedures for cable and wire harness assemblies.
- Create and validate Cirris CH2 test programs based on engineering drawings, schematics, netlists, and customer requirements.
- Support continuity, isolation, hipot, resistance, and component verification testing.
- Troubleshoot test failures and support root cause investigations.
- Maintain revision control of test programs and associated documentation.
- Standardize test development methodologies across product families.
Space, Aerospace & Defense Compliance- Support programs requiring IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 workmanship standards and Space Addendum requirements.
- Interpret customer flow-down requirements and special process requirements.
- Develop documentation supporting traceability, configuration control, and audit readiness.
- Support First Article Inspections (FAI) and customer audits.
- Ensure manufacturing and test processes meet customer quality and reliability expectations.
Continuous Improvement- Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, documentation quality, testing methods, and process controls.
- Reduce process variation and improve manufacturing repeatability.
- Support corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
QualificationsRequired- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, or related field.
- 3+ years of manufacturing engineering, process engineering, test engineering, or NPI experience.
- Experience with cable assemblies, wire harnesses, or electro-mechanical assemblies.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
- Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions, and production documentation.
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
- Excellent technical documentation and organizational skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams.
Preferred- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or space programs.
- Familiarity with electrical test equipment and automated cable/harness testing systems.
- Experience with Cirris CH2 or similar cable and harness test platforms.
- IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or demonstrated experience.
- Experience with AS9100 quality systems.
- Familiarity with First Article Inspection (AS9102).
- Understanding of configuration management and revision control.
- Experience with ERP, PLM, or MES systems.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.
What Success Looks Like- New products transition efficiently from prototype to production.
- Manufacturing documentation is standardized, complete, and easy to follow.
- First-piece builds are thoroughly documented and captured for future production.
- Electrical test programs are accurate, reliable, and released on schedule.
- Processes consistently meet customer quality, traceability, and reliability requirements.
- Production teams have the tools and documentation needed to build it right the first time.
