NPI Quality Leader

Department: Quality

Reports To: Quality Manager

 The NPI Quality Leader is responsible for leading quality planning and execution activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs within an electronics manufacturing environment. This role ensures that new products transition from design to volume production with robust quality controls, full compliance to customer and regulatory requirements, and alignment with ISO 9001 and applicable industry standards. The NPI Quality Leader acts as the primary quality interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Customers during product launch.

Key Responsibilities

NPI Quality Planning & Execution

• Lead quality activities for NPI programs from design transfer through pilot builds and mass production ramp-up.
• Develop and maintain quality plans, control plans, inspection strategies, and accept criteria for new products.
• Ensure quality requirements are clearly defined, documented, and implemented prior to production release.
• Prepare and report to Customer and project team Quality Dashboards and other related reports for product acceptance.
• Prepare and coordinate with team PPAP package for submission to Customer according to the project milestones.

Design & Process Quality

• Participate in Customer reviews to ensure product and process risks are identified and mitigated.
• Ensure lessons learned and quality standards are incorporated into new product designs and processes.
• Support manufacturing process validation and readiness (process capability, first pass yield, defect rates).

Build Readiness & Validation

• Lead and support First Article Inspections (FAI), pilot builds, EVT/DVT/PVT builds, and PPAP or equivalent customer requirements.
• Ensure inspection methods, test coverage, and quality criteria are validated prior to production ramp.
• Review and approve readiness checklists, build reports, and quality deliverables.

Supplier & Component Quality

• Partner with Supplier Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier readiness for NPI components.
• Review supplier documentation including CoCs, test reports, and capability data.
• Support qualification of new suppliers and components for NPI programs.

Issue Management & Corrective Action

• Lead containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action for NPI-related quality issues.
• Drive cross-functional problem-solving using structured methodologies (8D, DMAIC, A3).
• Ensure timely closure of quality risks prior to volume production release.

Customer & Stakeholder Interface

• Serve as the primary quality point of contact for customers during NPI phases.
• Communicate quality status, risks, and mitigation plans to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support customer audits, reviews, and product approvals related to NPI programs.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Track and report NPI quality metrics (FPY, defects, escapes, risk status, readiness milestones).
• Use data-driven analysis to guide decisions and improve launch performance.

ISO 9001 & Compliance

• Ensure NPI activities comply with ISO 9001 requirements and internal QMS procedures.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits related to NPI processes.
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and record retention for NPI deliverables.

Continuous Improvement

• Capture NPI lessons learned and drive continuous improvement of launch and quality processes.
• Support standardization of NPI quality tools, templates, and best practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Electronics, Manufacturing, or a related technical field required.

Experience

• 5 years of experience in quality engineering or manufacturing quality within an electronics manufacturing environment.
• 3 years of experience supporting or leading NPI programs.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of electronics manufacturing processes and PCBA assembly.
• Experience with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC-6012 preferred).
• Strong understanding of NPI frameworks (EVT/DVT/PVT, APQP, PPAP).
• Proficiency in FMEA, control plans, SPC, and risk management.
• Knowledge of ESD control requirements (ANSI/ESD S20.20).
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• IPC-A-610 certification.
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor certification.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong ownership and accountability.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing floor, lab, and office environment.
• Occasional travel to suppliers or customer sites.
• Extended hours may be required during critical launch phases.