NPI Manufacturing Engineer

NPI Manufacturing Engineer

• Location: Windsor, Connecticut (On-site)
• Industry: Aerospace & Defense / Precision Manufacturing
• Salary Range: $85,000 – $120,000 / year (Dependent on experience
• Position Overview We are seeking an experienced NPI (New Product Introduction) Manufacturing Engineer to develop, optimize, and maintain advanced CNC manufacturing processes. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design and production, ensuring maximum efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness for new product rollouts. You will collaborate closely with a cross-functional team—including design engineers, quality assurance, setup personnel, and machinists—to support production goals, product quality, and on-time delivery in a high-precision environment. Key Responsibilities
• Process & Fixture Development: Design, implement, and optimize efficient CNC machining processes, including tooling, custom workholding/fixtures, and processing sequences for multi-axis machines.
• CAD/CAM Programming: Create, simulate, and refine multi-axis CNC programs using CAD/CAM software, ensuring total compliance with design specifications and engineering standards.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Review early-stage designs and collaborate with design engineering teams to provide DFM feedback, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost before production release.
• Workflow & Cycle Optimization: Analyze production workflows to identify bottlenecks, reduce cycle times, eliminate waste, and improve overall shop-floor productivity.
• Root-Cause Analysis: Lead technical troubleshooting and root-cause investigations for manufacturing errors or deviations, establishing robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Capital Equipment & Tooling: Evaluate and recommend new CNC equipment, cutting tools, and manufacturing technologies to advance NPI capabilities.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Establish and maintain comprehensive process documentation, including setup sheets, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and visual work instructions.
• Shop-Floor Mentorship: Train, mentor, and support machinists and machine operators on complex setups, program proving, and advanced machining best practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives, utilizing 5S, Six Sigma methodologies, and Kaizen events to optimize current operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain strict compliance with safety protocols, environmental standards, and industry-specific regulatory requirements. Required Qualifications
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in CNC machining and manufacturing process engineering.
• Advanced CNC Skills: Proven expertise in CNC machine programming, setup, and operation, including advanced techniques like in-machine probing and macro programming.
• Software Proficiency: Mastery of industry-standard CAD/CAM software (such as SolidWorks CAD, Esprit CAM, or Siemens NX CAD/CAM) alongside CNC simulation software (e.g., Vericut).
• Multi-Axis Expertise: In-depth technical knowledge of multi-axis CNC machinery, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis mills, as well as multi-axis mill-turn lathes.
• Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Strong ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and standards with an expert understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5).
• Metrology: Comprehensive knowledge of high-precision inspection tools, micrometers, calipers, and advanced metrology measurement systems.
• Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical skills with a structured approach to problem-solving and technical root-cause analysis.
• U.S. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen (required due to ITAR/regulatory project compliance). Preferred Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) platforms (Epicor experience is a plus).
• Certifications: Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certifications. Benefits
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% company match
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid holidays and comprehensive paid time off (PTO) allocation