Senior NPI Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of innovative laser systems seeks an experienced NPI Engineer to work with the mechanical and optical development team. The role focuses on ensuring manufacturability during the development cycle and involves hands-on problem-solving in a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include conducting lab tests, managing product transitions, and collaborating with various teams to optimize designs and processes.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment with design to production transfer.
• Passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab-based testing to define processes and optimize designs.
• Manage the transfer of new laser products from design to manufacturing.
• Influence design engineers to incorporate Lean/Six Sigma principles.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Continuous Improvement

Education

Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

C#

SolidWorks

Job description

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A leading provider of innovative laser systems to help people in various global markets, including but not limited to renewables, microelectronics, research, life science, automotive, and medicine.

We seek an experienced NPI Engineer who will work alongside the mechanical and optical development team to ensure design for manufacturing remains a key focus during the development cycle of our laser systems.

Through prototype and pilot production, the role will provide DFX feedback, aid the design team in resolving issues, and supply documentation, tooling, and training to enable product manufacturing in a clean environment.

You will ensure product compliance with specifications and test products through HALT/HASS to identify weaknesses and drive improvements. Focusing on manufacturability, you will contribute to developing new processes and capabilities, and assist with automation and new technologies to ensure repeatability and reliability in laser production.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. A hands-on approach is essential, working directly with manufacturing to resolve line issues.
2. Conduct lab-based testing to define processes and optimize designs, including environmental testing, component improvement, and material testing (e.g., adhesives, desiccants).
3. Build prototype and pilot laser systems.
4. Define, test, and implement production tooling.
5. Manage the transfer of new laser products from design to manufacturing, ensuring build documentation, BOM, tooling, and training are complete.
6. Monitor prototype and pilot production, ensuring yields and cycle times meet expectations, and identify improvements.
7. Influence design engineers to incorporate Lean/Six Sigma principles.
8. Ensure design for manufacturing is integrated into product designs.
9. Lead design FMEA of modules to ensure first-time right designs.
10. Coordinate with Operations to facilitate smooth product transition from development to production.
11. Engage with subcontractors and suppliers.
12. Collaborate with field service to gather customer validation data.
13. Maintain lab standards and space.
14. Define GUIs and automation routines to streamline manufacturing.
15. Create comprehensive laser system and build documentation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a manufacturing environment, including transfer from design engineering to production in high-tech sectors.
• Degree in science, technology, engineering, or equivalent industrial experience.
• Passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement, with a drive for positive change.
• Responsibility for improvement actions.
• Innovative problem-solving initiative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn quickly, particularly fundamentals of lasers, building, and operation.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Knowledge of NPI process and project planning.
• Experience with PLM software (e.g., Agile).
• Knowledge of lasers, optics, electronics, and opto-mechanics.
• Experience with optical fiber handling.
• Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, C#, or similar languages.
• Experience with CAD tools like SolidWorks.
• Understanding of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Background in material science for material selection and epoxy use insights.