Full Job Description
NPI Operations Project Manager
Job Description
The NPI Operations Project Manager leads the Operations workstream for New Product Introduction projects, ensuring new products successfully transition from engineering development through prototype and pilot builds into repeatable, production-ready manufacturing.
The NPI Operations Project Manager engages early during Prototype and Alpha to identify manufacturing, supply chain, material, quality, and factory requirements and risks. As the product progresses toward Beta and production, the role assumes increasing leadership of operational execution, industrialization, and production readiness.
The NPI Operations Project Manager works closely with Engineering Project / Program Management and cross-functional Operations teams to ensure products are not only technically ready, but also operationally executable, repeatable, and scalable.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
• Lead the Operations workstream for assigned NPI projects from early development through Prototype, Alpha, Beta, pilot production, and production transition.
• Develop and manage integrated Operations project plans covering material, manufacturing, quality, resources, tooling, test equipment, factory, and production readiness.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, Production, Engineering, Logistics, and Facilities.
• Lead Operations readiness for prototype and pilot builds, including material availability, BOM maturity, shortages, documentation, tooling, equipment, training, and factory readiness.
• Drive pre-build readiness reviews, build execution, post-build reviews, and closure of issues and lessons learned.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to mature manufacturing processes, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, test equipment, capacity, and training.
• Drive material and supply chain readiness, including long-lead components, shortages, supplier constraints, and engineering-change impacts.
• Ensure Prototype and Alpha learning is incorporated into subsequent builds and production-readiness plans.
• Partner with Quality and Manufacturing Engineering to drive appropriate PFMEA, control plans, process validation, root-cause investigation, and corrective actions.
• Define and track Operations phase-gate deliverables and readiness criteria.
• Identify and proactively manage risks affecting build execution, material availability, manufacturing readiness, quality, capacity, resources, and schedule.
• Drive cross-functional actions to closure and escalate critical issues with clear impact, ownership, mitigation, and recovery plans.
• Provide concise, data-driven Operations status and readiness assessments to project and Operations leadership.
• Lead Operations readiness through Beta and support a structured transition from NPI/pilot manufacturing to sustained production.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
Required -
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical discipline.
• Project management experience within a manufacturing, engineering, Operations, or NPI environment.
• Experience supporting new product introduction, prototype/pilot manufacturing, industrialization, product launch, or production transfer.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and Operations processes.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Planning, Procurement, and Quality.
• Experience managing complex schedules, dependencies, risks, and competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and drive accountability across functions without direct reporting authority.
Preferred -
• Experience in complex equipment, automation, robotics, semiconductor equipment, capital equipment, or other low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing environments.
• Experience with complex BOMs, long-lead materials, engineering changes, and prototype/pilot builds.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP, BOM/configuration management, ECO/ECN processes, PFMEA, Control Plans, 5-Why/8D, and production planning.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Lean or Six Sigma experience.
Compensation
Base Salary Range: $118,265.18 USD to $160,005.83 USD
Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
Benefits
At Brooks, we offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Exempt employees are provided company paid holidays and Flexible Vacation to enjoy personal time off and incidental sickness.
Have a question about our benefits and compensation package? Your recruiter can share more with you during the hiring process.
Work Location & Flexibility
At Brooks, we aim to foster a collaborative and engaging environment while offering flexibility where possible. Work arrangements may include a mix of in-office and remote work, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. Specific expectations will be shared during the interview process.