Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer

POSITION TITLE Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The NPI Engineer is responsible for the effective implementation of new product designs by ensuring a successful transition from the design phase into manufacturing and mass production. The NPI Engineer provides engineering expertise for operations, and they develop new manufacturing processes, equipment, documents, instructions, training, and tools necessary for product introductions and product line transfers between facilities. The NPI Engineer is the lead engineering liaison between product development and operations. The NPI Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain, to establish robust processes, develop necessary documentation, and facilitate training, ensuring seamless transitions between product design and manufacturing operations. The ultimate goal is to successfully implement new products, processes, and equipment to drive new product adoption, efficiency, and sustained growth.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Process Development, Documentation, and Implementation

• Develop, test, analyze, and implement new processes and procedures during the design and implementation phases of projects.
• Identify manufacturing process steps, floor resources, documents, tools, fixtures, and equipment required to manufacture new products.
• Identify, implement, and validate capital equipment, tooling, and test equipment required to successfully set up or transfer products between facilities.
• Create, validate, and adjust new product BOMs
• Develop clear and concise work instructions for new products or integrate new products into existing instructions.
• Perform time studies to establish and validate process times for new products and procedures.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, and cohesion of product documentation by analyzing product drawings, BOMs, manufacturing instructions, and training documents.
• Qualify new products, sourced materials, equipment, and processes as they pertain to manufacturing of Clearfield product.
• Develop, refine, and support existing manufacturing processes and issue engineering change requests as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Coordination

• Collaborate with design engineering during product development and prototyping to ensure design for manufacturability.
• Collaborate with design engineering, product management, compliance lab, and quality assurance to establish qualification procedures and ensure compliance of first articles and initial production runs.
• Interface with design engineers, project managers, product managers, application engineers, quality assurance, supply chain, and manufacturing personnel to address any issues with first article, qualification, or initial production builds.
• Serve as a liaison between design engineering, product management, quality assurance, and manufacturing to ensure alignment on processes and documentation.
• Support manufacturing engineers and quality assurance in Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and statistical process control efforts.

Training and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and deliver training programs for manufacturing personnel to ensure they understand new processes, equipment, and product specifications.
• Lead training builds and first article builds of new assemblies and configurations across manufacturing sites
• Investigate and develop resolutions for deviations and discrepancies in new production components and assemblies.
• Perform troubleshooting, analyze defects, identify and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to address potential challenges throughout the product introduction lifecycle.
• Create and develop efficient manufacturing methods for new products and establish best practices in manufacturing.
• Monitor product performance and production metrics post-launch, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and overall product success.
• Participate in process redesign and line layout to accomplish Lean manufacturing cost reduction objectives

This description of duties is not intended to be all-inclusive or to limit the discretionary authority to assign other tasks of a similar nature and/or level of responsibility.

COMPETENCIES:

Attention to Detail- Working in a conscientious, consistent and thorough manner.

• Identifies multiple sources/approaches of information to ensure that details are addressed.
• Reviews the work of others for accuracy and thoroughness.
• Follows up to ensure tasks are completed and commitments are met by others.
• Verifies that work have been done according to procedures and standards.

Analytical Thinking- Analyzing and synthesizing information to understand issues, identify options, and support sound decision making.

• Integrates information from diverse sources, often involving large amounts of information.
• Thinks several steps ahead in deciding on best course of action, anticipating likely outcomes.
• Develops conceptual frameworks that guide analysis by describing patterns of complex relationships among elements and events in the operating environment.

Problem Solving- Identifying problems and the solutions to them.

• Identifies complex problems based on a broad range of factors, many of which are ambiguous or difficult to define.
• Identifies optimal solutions, considering possible approaches and flexibilities in the system as well as organizational values, policies and procedures.
• Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions after they have been implemented in order to identify needed changes.

Resilience- Staying energized, productive and focused in the face of challenges, ambiguity, change or strenuous demands, creating a supportive environment that helps others become more resilient and productive.

• Retains perspective in the face of difficult or demanding situations (pervasive ambiguity, frequent change, high workloads).
• Describe disruptions as challenges rather than threats.
• Adjusts personal coping mechanisms to deal with disruptions.

Adaptability- Adapting in order to work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations, and with diverse individuals and groups.

• Adapts organizational or project plans to meet new demands and priorities.
• Revises project goals when circumstances demand it.
• Respond quickly to shifting opportunities and risks.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum Three Years of applied experience as a manufacturing Engineer or NPI Engineer in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Background in manufacture of fiber optic deployment products and fiber optic termination processes highly desirable.
• Possesses engineering-level understanding of manufacturing processes and new product development.
• Demonstrates strong technical writing acumen and the ability to convey complex techniques and processes through text, photo, and video.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
• Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, MRP/ERP systems, etc.) Experience with Epicor a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills and creativity in developing sound technical solutions to business problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work individually and in teams.
• Able to travel both domestically and internationally approximately (up to ten percent of time)
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Ability to multitask and handle competing priorities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; understand urgency and deadlines.

BENEFITS for full tim294e:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• 100% company paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurance coverage.
• 100% company paid Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance coverage.
• 100% company paid Business Travel Accident (BTA) insurance.
• 100% company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Additional voluntary benefits are offered.
• 401K plan: Maximum match is 4.5% of the first 6% of contribution.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Clearfield's Time Off Policy includes Personal Time Off (PTO) beginning at three weeks annually. PTO is accrued on the first of the month starting on day of hire. Voluntary Time Off (VTO) eight hours each calendar year, In addition, nine paid holidays per year.

SALARY RANGE: $84,294-105,368-126,441, Bonus eligible

An Offer of employment will be extended at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. This information reflects the anticipated salary range for this position at the time of posting. The salary range may be modified in the future and actual compensation may vary from the posting based on various factors such as geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level.