Manufacturing Engineer NPI

The NPI Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading new product introductions from customer order through successful First Article Inspection (FAI) and full manufacturing readiness. This role partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain to review customer drawings, specifications, BOMs, tooling, and build processes to ensure products meet performance, quality, and customer requirements prior to release into production.

This is a highly hands-on role focused on the NPI lifecycle, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM), process development, and risk mitigation. The NPI Manufacturing Engineer identifies and resolves build issues early, develops prototype and sample builds, and supports FAI (including AS9102 when applicable). This role serves as a critical bridge between customer design requirements and scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes, ensuring a smooth transition from prototype to full production.

What You'll Do:

• Own the NPI process from customer order receipt through First Article Inspection (FAI) and production readiness
• Review and interpret customer drawings, specifications, BOMs, and performance requirements to define build strategy and ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA)
• Lead Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRRs), identifying risks related to tooling, materials, processes, quality, and supply chain
• Develop and execute prototype builds, sample assemblies, and process development activities to validate manufacturability
• Troubleshoot build issues during NPI, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to ensure successful product launch
• Partner with Quality to support First Article Inspections (FAI), including AS9102 documentation (as applicable), and drive closure of open items
• Collaborate closely with Production to support early builds, resolve process gaps, and ensure smooth transition to repeatable manufacturing
• Develop and maintain routers, BOMs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation required for production release
• Identify, specify, and support implementation of tooling, fixtures, and equipment required for safe, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) improvements to enhance yield, reduce cost, and improve production efficiency
• Support engineering change management (ECNs) during NPI and early production phases
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production, Procurement, and quoting teams to ensure alignment on product requirements and execution
• Ensure new products meet all quality, functionality, regulatory, and customer requirements prior to volume production
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing and process optimization efforts
• Provide hands-on support on the production floor during prototype and early production builds
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of business needs

Must-Haves Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
• 3-5 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, NPI Engineering, or related roles
• Experience reviewing customer requirements and translating them into manufacturable, production-ready builds
• Experience supporting prototype builds, process development, and First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex assembly drawings, technical specifications, and electrical schematics
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, process development, and production readiness in technical manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) principles and process validation techniques
• Experience interfacing directly with production teams, operators, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or similar)
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment with a strong sense of ownership
• English fluency
• Proactive mindset with the ability to identify risks, ask questions, and drive solutions independently

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Prior experience in aerospace, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments is preferred
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement methodologies
• bilingual communication skills for supporting a diverse production workforce

We are committed to a high-performance culture of ownership, responsibility, and accountability, which will lead to breakthrough results in service for our customers and highly motivated employees.

ISC is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Export Control Requirements (ITAR): This position requires access to controlled technical data. In accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, applicants must be a “U.S. Person,” which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, or asylees, or otherwise be eligible to obtain required export authorizations.