Senior New Product Introduction Manager (Engineering)

Frontier Resourcing; Dunfermline; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

Frontier Recruitment is partnering with a leading Defence engineering and manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced NPI Engineering Manager. This senior role drives the industrialisation of new electronic products from concept through to production within a highly regulated environment.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage stage-gate processes, apply DfM/DFT/DFC, and work with suppliers to ensure quality, cost and delivery targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing, or related Engineering discipline.
• 2–3+ years in a leadership/management role within manufacturing.
• Strong electronics manufacturing knowledge: PCBA, SMT, CCA, and microelectronics assembly.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle) and PLM software.
• Knowledge of PFMEA, RCCA, ATE, and quality improvement methods.
• Ability to read drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes (CNC, automation, welding, heat treatment, or electronics assembly).
• Understanding of PRINCE2/PMP and planning tools (MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Experience in Aerospace/Defence/Space with AS9100, AS9145, J-STD-001.
• Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers from concept to full production handover.
• Manage products through stage-gate processes (AS9145/APQP).
• Champion DfM, DfT, and DfC principles.
• Drive MRL assessments and Production Readiness Reviews.
• Conduct PFMEA, RCCA, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Procurement and suppliers for component availability.
• Develop manufacturing plans, tooling strategies, and production processes.
• Establish and manage baselines for cost, schedule, quality, and scope.
• Chair NPI Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Programme Management.

Skills

Leadership

NPI

Manufacturing

DfM/DFT/DFC

MRL

PFMEA/RCCA

ERP/MRP

PLM

GD&T

Lean Six Sigma

AS9100/APQP

Project management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Electrical/ Electronic/ Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SAP

Oracle

PLM software

Job description

Frontier Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a leading Defence engineering and manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineering Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative business in a high-impact leadership role, driving the successful transition of cutting-edge electronic products from R&D through to full-scale manufacturing.

Working at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, you'll lead cross-functional teams, shape manufacturing strategy, and play a pivotal role in delivering complex products within a highly regulated environment.

Due to the nature of work and industry, candidates will be required to be eligible for SC Clearance.

The Role

As the Senior NPI Manager, you will be responsible for leading the industrialisation of new products, ensuring a smooth transition from concept through to production while meeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers, taking products from RFQ and concept through to full production handover.
• Manage products through formal stage-gate processes, including AS9145/APQP methodologies.
• Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Design for Testability (DfT), and Design for Cost (DfC) principles.
• Drive Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and oversee Production Readiness Reviews.
• Conduct PFMEA, FMEA, and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities to identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.
• Collaborate closely with Procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability.
• Develop manufacturing plans, tooling strategies, work instructions, and production processes.
• Establish and manage project baselines covering cost, schedule, quality, and scope, providing regular updates to senior stakeholders.
• Chair NPI Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Programme Management to ensure successful product launches.

About You

We're looking for an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in new product introduction within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

You'll ideally have:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing, or a related Engineering discipline.
• Significant experience within manufacturing, including at least 2-3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Excellent understanding of electronics manufacturing, including PCBA, SMT, CCA, and microelectronics assembly.
• Experience using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and PLM software.
• Strong knowledge of PFMEA, RCCA, automated test equipment (ATE), and quality improvement techniques.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, automation, welding, heat treatment, or electronics assembly.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or PMP and associated planning tools including MS Project or Smartsheet.
• Ideally you'll have experience within Aerospace, Defence, Space, or another highly regulated industry, with an understanding of AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), J-STD-001, and associated quality standards.
• The ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC) or equivalent.

What's on Offer

Our client is offering an excellent salary and comprehensive benefits package, including bonus, car allowance and excellent pension package. Together with the opportunity to work on technically challenging programmes within a growing and innovative organisation.

Relocation support is available.

If you're an experienced NPI Engineering Manager looking to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.