New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead Engineer

Aversan Inc; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic NPI Lead Engineer to guide the successful industrialization of new products from prototype to full production. This role combines technical expertise with project leadership, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery while enhancing manufacturability and process efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electronics manufacturing, lean principles, and cross-functional collaboration. Join this innovative team and contribute to cutting-edge projects that drive the future of aerospace and defense technologies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing projects, particularly in electronics.
• Hands-on experience with electronic assembly processes and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI plans and coordinate prototype builds and testing.
• Ensure DFM and production concerns are resolved early in the process.

Skills

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

Lean Manufacturing Principles

Project Management

Microsoft Office Suite

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Job Title: New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead Engineer

Company Overview:

Aversan Inc. (www.aversan.com) is a trusted multi-service engineering and electronics manufacturing company. Aversan delivers leading-edge and reliable safety-critical electronics and software systems to the aerospace, defence, and space industries. This opportunity offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package.

About the Role:

We’re seeking a hands-on and strategic NPI Lead to drive the successful industrialization of New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from early prototype to full production release. This dual-role position blends technical depth and project leadership, with key responsibilities spanning Circuit Card Assembly, Mechanical Assembly, and Test Equipment Development.

You’ll work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, and Supply Chain teams to ensure on-time, on-budget, and on-scope delivery of new products, while improving manufacturability, process efficiency, and cost control.

Work Location: Peterborough, ON
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Duration: Permanent

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Sale and Development Preparation Phases:

• Lead and support RFP responses focused on industrialization scope, including recurring and non-recurring cost estimates.
• Maintain and refine cost models to reflect evolving product designs and equipment.
• Propose effective Make-or-Buy strategies, considering industrial constraints and manufacturability.
• Ensure Return of Experience (RETEX) is integrated into new development efforts.
• Contribute to the product development planning process (LDEV logic).

Development and NPI Phases:

• Develop and execute comprehensive NPI plans aligned with project milestones and industrialization tollgates (APQP/PPAP).
• Coordinate prototype and qualification builds, process validation, test strategies, and training needs.
• Act as the interface between Engineering and Manufacturing to ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and early resolution of production concerns.
• Review engineering drawings and specifications with a focus on manufacturability and procurement readiness.
• Provide input on Test Equipment Development, including ICT and functional test strategies.
• Track project performance through KPIs, manage risks, and conduct regular reviews (daily, weekly, monthly).
• Monitor recurring and non-recurring product costs, including investments in tools and equipment.
• Apply Lean principles and structured problem-solving to enhance product and process maturity.
• Lead activities to achieve maturity in product design, manufacturing processes, and testing (PFMEA, Key Characteristics definition).
• Ensure training materials, BOMs, work instructions, and critical process documentation are completed and implemented before production release.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Electronics Engineering (or a related field).
• 5+ years of progressive experience leading projects in a manufacturing environment, ideally within the electronics or aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in New Product Introduction (NPI), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), process validation, APQP, and PPAP.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methods, and tollgate-based project management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Project for planning and tracking.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to engage cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on technical experience with electronic assembly processes, unit-level testing, and test equipment development or oversight.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.