Sr. NPI Systems Electrical Engineer

The Opportunity

The Sr. NPI Systems Electrical Engineer will operate in a fast-paced, startup-like environment where machine designs are still maturing, as we transition new product designs from the development phase to pilot manufacturing. This role is at the intersection of design and manufacturing and therefore involves collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to identify potential issues, develop solutions, and implement processes for a smooth New Product Introduction (NPI). As the Sr. NPI Electrical Engineer you can handle ambiguity, diagnose issues hands-on across electrical, firmware, and system interactions, to enable successful product launches of complex machines.

Role and Responsibilities:

Design for Excellence
• Participate in advanced technology and product development.
• Participate in design and integration reviews with a focus on robustness and testability.
• Analyze concepts and designs for feasibility in manufacturing and identifying potential problems early on.
• Provide DFM, DFA, DFR, DFT and DFS recommendations during product design reviews.

Systems Integration and Bring-Up
• Lead bring-up of electrical subsystems & PCAs within complex machines and robotic systems.
• Debug system integration issues (electrical, software, and system behavior).
• Drive methodical root cause analysis across electrical, firmware, and integration domains.
• Lead and perform hands-on debugging (probing, rework, instrumentation, signal tracing).
• Characterize electrical system performance (signal behavior, noise, power integrity).
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers for upcoming new product introductions.

Prototype Builds & Pilot Manufacturing
• Support the engineering team with prototype builds.
• Design and order tooling/fixtures for assembly process during prototype and NPI pilot phases.
• Prepare plans and documentation to test pilot manufacturing processes and pilot tools.
• Drive NPI projects by managing schedules, cross-functional collaboration, and design transfer deliverables.
• Develop and execute process validations, including verifications, optimizations, and reports.
• Review and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) into Pilot Manufacturing.
• Utilize PLM systems such as Arena PLM/QMS to support efficient Pilot Manufacturing workflows.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and implementing solutions for continuous improvement.

Problem Solving & Collaboration
• Partner within a cross-functional team to transition hardware from prototype to NPI.
• Work closely with engineering/firmware/software teams to debug system interactions.
• Identify and resolve technical issues that arise during the transition to pilot manufacturing.
• Mentor team members in debugging, manufacturing & test processes, and structured problem-solving

Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain, to ensure a successful product launch.

Requirements

Qualifications
• B.S. Electrical, or related field, M.S. Electrical Engineering or related is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in the capital equipment industry, preferably WFE industry.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 79 and UL 508A.
• Proficient with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers) and PCB rework.
• Strong hands-on experience in board bring-up, debugging, and electrical integration.
• Solid foundation in analog, digital, and power systems, including low-level signal debugging.
• Proficiency to diagnose and resolve complex, cross-functional hardware and embedded system issues.
• Experienced with structured methods for root cause analysis and problem-solving.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong technical acumen, communication and presentation skills: capable of engaging in detailed technical discussions while simplifying complex topics for broader audiences.
• Experience working with CAD/ERP/MRP/PLM/QMS systems.
• Proven success in project management, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic initiative support.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in the WFE, Aerospace, Defense, Optical or Medical equipment industries.
• Strong working knowledge of SEMI S2.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, NetSuite ERP/MRP and Arena PLM/QMS.
• Experience with software for test automation and data analysis.
• Experience with high-reliability and safety-critical systems.
• Any relevant certifications like PMP/PE/Lean/Six Sigma etc.

Other
• Strong organizational values of Integrity, Transparency, Teamwork, Fairness, Respect, Inclusivity, Ethical Conduct, Continuous Improvement, and Safety.
• This full-time role is onsite five days a week at our Santa Clara, CA office.
• Domestic and international travel may be required (up to 10%).

Benefits

Benefits
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Free Food & Snacks
• Stock Option Plan
• Annual Bonus Plan eligible
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Base salary $115,000 - $140,000

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in STEM. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.