SUMMARYThe NPI Engineer is responsible for supporting the successful introduction of new electronic products from design through pilot builds and transition into full production. This role partners with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to ensure new products are manufacturable, scalable, and ready for production.
A key responsibility of this role is performing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis using Valor NPI to evaluate PCB designs, identify manufacturing risks, and recommend design improvements that support efficient and reliable production. The NPI Engineer also supports new product builds, manages technical readiness for manufacturing, and drives continuous improvement within the NPI process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis using Valor NPI to identify design constraints and manufacturing risks.
- Generate and communicate DFM reports for internal teams and customers, recommending design improvements to support manufacturability and product quality.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds, ensuring product readiness for prototypes, pilots, and production builds.
- Partner with engineering, production, quality, and program management teams to resolve technical issues during NPI builds.
- Collaborate directly with customers to review, discuss, and deliver DFM and technical reports, ensuring clarity and alignment on manufacturability recommendations.
- Work effectively with all three Milwaukee Electronics manufacturing sites and the India engineering team to ensure consistent application of DFM standards and NPI processes.
- Establish and maintain a center of expertise for Valor NPI utilization, promoting best practices, training, and continuous improvement across the organization.
- Leverage prior customer-facing experience to support communication, resolve inquiries, and strengthen technical engagement with external stakeholders.
- Evaluate component placement, BOM structures, and PCB design requirements to identify potential manufacturing conflicts.
- Assist with product quoting activities by evaluating manufacturability and estimating production considerations.
- Maintain and update the company DFM standards, documentation, and best practices.
- Support manufacturing teams during NPI and pilot builds by troubleshooting issues and providing technical guidance.
- Organize and participate in post-build reviews and lessons learned discussions to improve and support manufacturability.
QUALIFICATIONSRequired Qualifications- Minimum of 3 years of experience with hands-on experience using Valor NPI for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis (required).
- Experience working in an electronics contract manufacturing (EMS) environment.
- Experience supporting PCB assembly manufacturing processes.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering and production teams.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with PCB array design and panelization.
- Experience with AutoCAD or similar CAD tools.
- Familiarity with high-reliability electronics manufacturing environments such as aerospace, defense, or medical.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
- Knowledge of PCB assembly manufacturing processes and electronics production environments.
- Ability to analyze technical designs and identify manufacturability risks.
- Demonstrated ability to work in customer-facing engineering roles involving technical report communication and collaborative problem-
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and program management teams.
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment as needed.
- Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout a production facility.
- Ability to view and analyze technical documentation and computer-based data.
- Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 25 pounds may be required.
Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This role operates in both office and manufacturing environments within an electronics manufacturing facility. The position requires regular collaboration with engineering teams, production personnel, and program managers to support new product launches.
