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.
$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: