Manager, New Product Introduction (NPI) Manufacturing Engineering

Torrey Holistics; Villa Park (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmid Tool & Engineering is seeking a seasoned New Project Launch Engineer to lead the launch of new parts and processes from concept through stable production. You will drive comprehensive plans, coordinate cross-functional teams, and build robust work instructions and routings to optimize flow and quality.

Responsibilities include planning capital improvements, conducting time studies, and mentoring Manufacturing Engineers and Technicians.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing engineering with supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong command of part print specifications and requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; or 20+ years of equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the New Project Launch Engineering team to meet customer demand and margins.
• Plan and execute product launches, specs updates, and process changes.
• Develop and manage detailed implementation plans for new part introductions.
• Create, approve, and maintain manufacturing work instructions.
• Configure ERP routings for optimal material flow.
• Conduct time studies and labor analyses to raise OEE.
• Lead root-cause resolution of production quality issues.
• Mentor and coach engineers and technicians; deliver process training.
• Own vendor specs and contribute to RFQs for feasibility.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Process optimization

Lean manufacturing

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Manufacturing or related field

Tools

Excel

Visio/ERP familiarity

Job description

Lead the Launch: A Day in This RoleBy 8:00 a.m., you’re aligning New Project Launch Engineers on a fast-moving program, translating customer specifications into routings, work instructions, and capital plans that make first-pass yield predictable. Mid-morning, you’re walking the floor, validating time studies and labor analyses that will raise OEE, while coaching technicians through rework instructions to keep shipments on track. After lunch, you’re finalizing a payback analysis for a multi-axis machining cell, negotiating vendor specs, and partnering with Quality to lock in control plans. You wrap the day mentoring Manufacturing Engineers, refining ERP routings, and ensuring each new part project advances toward a flawless launch.What You Will DriveDirect the New Project Launch Engineering team to meet customer demand while achieving profit margin targets.Plan and execute product launches, specification updates, and process changes from concept through stable production.Build the business case for capital equipment, including investment budgets and payback/ROI analyses; lead capital implementation.Develop and manage detailed implementation plans for new part introductions.Create, approve, and maintain manufacturing work instructions.Configure and update routings within the ERP system to reflect optimal flows.Conduct time studies and labor analysis to elevate productivity and efficiency.Define quality plans in collaboration with Engineering and Quality teams.Compare technical requirements and prints against internal process capabilities; recommend drawing/spec modifications to customers and suppliers.Lead root-cause resolution of production quality issues and author rework instructions to sustain OEE.Manage, mentor, and coach New Product Launch Engineers and Technicians; act as a technical resource to Manufacturing Engineers.Deliver training to production teams on process changes; onboard and provide technical training for new New Product Launch Engineers.Own vendor specifications and contribute in technical negotiations.Participate in RFQs to validate technical feasibility and manufacturing strategy.Champion Lean Manufacturing and structured continuous improvement across operations.Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Operations in pursuit of company objectives.Core CompetenciesProven leadership and team development.Expert juggling of multiple projects, budgets, and priorities.Advanced problem-solving with a focus on process optimization.Clear, concise communication and technical/customer-facing documentation skills.Unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.Technical Mastery NeededExperience10+ years in manufacturing engineering, including supervisory/lead responsibilities.Strong command of part print specifications and requirements.Manufacturing & Finishing ExpertiseHeat treatingAlloy steels and aluminum gradesAnodizing, phosphate, chrome platingSand blasting, deburring, tumbling, mass finishingInvestment castingMachining ExpertiseHorizontal, Vertical, CNC Fixed Stock Lathe, and Swiss Machining/ProgrammingGrinding, honingWire EDM, automated machinesFixture design and cutting tool specificationQuality, Metrology, and CIQuality control, SPC tools, and process capability studies.Inspection equipment proficiency: CMMs, optical measurement systems, and gauging.Lean Manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.Labor analysis, workplace study, and time study.SystemsProficient with Excel, Word, Visio; ERP systems a plus.Education & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field required.Minimum of 10 years’ manufacturing engineering experience, including 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial role.In lieu of a degree, 20+ years of equivalent technical experience may be considered.Physical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 50 lbs.Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during an 8-hour shift.Regular exposure to manufacturing environments including noise, dust, and machinery.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ProficienciesLeadership / People ManagementCNC ToolingCNC ProgrammingCNC Machine RepairCNC Machine Setup & ChangeoverLegalSchmid Tool & Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.