Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or related field.
5+ years in new product development or innovation roles, preferably in Defense, Aerospace, or Automotive.
Proven success in delivering complex product development programs from concept to launch.
Strong understanding of NPD processes and business case development.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across all levels.
Ability to manage budgets, resources, timelines, and risks in a matrix environment.
Proficiency with project management tools and ERP/MRP systems.
Responsibilities
Lead cross-functional initiatives in New Product Development and Rapid Prototyping.
Build a culture of integrity and openness among team members.
Coordinate resources, schedules, and workflow for prototype and NPI activities.
Serve as a liaison between customers and internal teams to ensure alignment.
Monitor program progress and drive timely resolution of delays or constraints.
Support prototype builds and transition to production processes.
Track key metrics related to program performance and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and additional sick time.
Paid Parental Leave and education reimbursement for professional development.
Competitive 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
Climate-controlled facility with a clean, modern work environment.
Full Job Description
$2,500 Sign-On Bonus!
SUMMARY:
The NPI Manager will lead cross-functional initiatives within New Product Development and Rapid Prototyping through CARIS (C/A Rapid Implementation Solution). This role is responsible for driving the successful planning, coordination, and execution of new product programs from prototype through production readiness. The NPI Manager will coordinate resources, manage timelines and priorities, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment between the customer, Business Development, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and related stakeholders to support successful program execution and customer satisfaction. This leader will be expected to embrace and exhibit our culture of honesty, integrity, and good corporate citizenship.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strive toward a culture of proactive safety.
As a leader, build a culture of integrity and openness. Exemplify the highest standard of conduct and ethical behavior.
Provide day-to-day leadership for employees within the Rapid Prototyping Work Cell.
Coordinate priorities, resources, schedules, and workflow for prototype and NPI activities.
Serve as a key liaison between CARIS, customers, Business Development, Engineering, Programming, Quality, Planning, Production, and other internal teams.
Work with customers and Business Development to understand program requirements, priorities, timelines, and expectations.
Facilitate communication between customers and internal teams to ensure requirements and changes are understood and addressed.
Coordinate with other value stream leaders when additional processes or capabilities are required.
Monitor program progress, identify potential delays or constraints, and help drive timely resolution.
Ensure machinists and supporting resources have the information, materials, tooling, and programs needed to complete work.
Support prototype builds, first-piece inspections, FAI activities, and transitions to production.
Work with Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering to support technical requirements and process changes.
Support the transition of prototypes into repeatable production processes.
Track key metrics related to schedule, quality, throughput, and program performance.
Support Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Complete supervisory responsibilities including payroll approvals, time-off scheduling, goal setting, performance tracking, and annual evaluations.
Coach and develop employees while maintaining accountability for performance.
Communicate program status, priorities, resource needs, and risks to customers, Business Development, and internal leadership.
Support customer meetings, program reviews, and other program communications.
Help manage changes, risks, and issues throughout the product development process.
Mentor project teams and support continuous improvement of CARIS and NPI processes.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in new product development, business development, or innovation roles (preferably in a relevant industry such as Defense, Aerospace or Automotive manufacturing ).
Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, cross-functional product development programs from concept to launch.
Strong understanding of tollgate or similar NPD processes, business case development, and commercialization.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills across all organizational levels.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, resources, timelines, and risk in a matrix environment.
Proficiency with project/program management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, orequivalent), ERP/MRP Systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
PMP, or equivalent certification preferred
WHAT WE OFFER:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Additional 40 hours of Sick Time
Paid Parental Leave
Competitive 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
Education reimbursement program for professional development
Relocation assistance for eligible roles
Climate-controlled facility
Subsidized vending and on-site break areas
Complimentary coffee and refreshments
Clean, modern work environment with advanced equipment and technology
Opportunities for career growth within a stable, growing aerospace manufacturing organization
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate machine controls, tools, and measuring instruments.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and components weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as required to load, unload, and inspect parts and equipment.
Ability to perform repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, and arms.
Ability to visually inspect parts, interpret and read blueprints, technical drawings, work instructions, and use gauges, and measuring devices.
Ability to distinguish colors, dimensions, and surface defects when performing quality inspections.
Ability to hear and communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to safely operate equipment in a fast-paced production setting while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, and other equipment as required.
Ability to work in an environment with exposure to machine noise, metal chips, cutting fluids, lubricants, and varying temperatures.
Ability to maintain regular attendance and work scheduled shifts, including overtime as required.
Work Environment:
Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment.
Frequent interaction with machine tools, raw materials, and finished products.
Compliance with all company safety policies, housekeeping requirements, and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention practices.
Required use of appropriate PPE and adherence to all safety procedures.
Essential Functions Disclaimer:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
