Manufacturing Engineering Lead, NPI

AVNA; Berlin (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AVNA in Berlin, CT, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead to oversee new process design and continuous improvement efforts. The role involves managing multiple projects and a team of engineers to achieve productivity and quality goals.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years in manufacturing or new product development, a mechanical engineering degree, and a track record in leading teams and processes efficiently.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of management experience in manufacturing/new product development.
• Formal management or leadership training preferred.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and six sigma.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage new process design and improvement activities.
• Monitor financial performance and initiate corrective actions.
• Create plans for monitoring success post implementation.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Continuous improvement

Project management

Education

BS/BSET in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD Software (Solidworks preferred)

Statistical software (Minitab preferred)

Job description

As Manufacturing Engineering Lead, who will report directly to the Director of NPI Engineering. You will be responsible for leading and managing several facets of new process design (NPI), continuous improvement, and the associated technological and quality systems pertaining to each in our Berlin, CT location.As part of your position, you will also have a team of Manufacturing Engineers reporting directly to you.

Key Goals:

Become a trusted and respected leader. Achieve the system development performance goals on the AVNA Report Card (Efficiency, Cost savings, and Continuous Improvement), assigned objectives related to AVNA strategy, as well as working with the NPI and Project Management teams to successfully execute and launch new programs/strategies/systems for each. The Manufacturing Engineering Lead will oversee and manage the activities of multiple projects involving contracted component/assembly processes, equipment/tooling builds, as well as being responsible for the management and growth strategies of team members.

Responsibilities:

• Leads by example and lives the AVNA Vision, Mission, Values, and Strategy
• Makes their team members and others better. Leads by example and provides guidance and mentoring to continuously foster growth.
• Drives for results and customer satisfaction (Reference AVNA Report Card)
• Total Customer Satisfaction, both internal and external
• Monitors financial performance by measuring and analyzing results/variances (productivity, quality, customer service); initiating corrective actions; minimizing the impact of variances.
• Seeks to understand all facets of a manufacturing process or other processes before implementing change (CI). Be able to justify process rationale with ROI, downtime analysis, etc.
• Creates’ plan(s) that allow the monitoring and understanding of success post implementation.
• Assist with new program launches, particularly with the development and execution of protocols, work process instructions, SIIP’s, and any additional technical documents.
• Ensure a code of ethics that produces high quality, with limited waste.

Key Attributes:

• Strong leadership skills – ability to energize, motivate, and inspire others with “healthy” performance tensions. Good communicator. Ability and willingness to hold self-accountable. Promote team collaboration; celebrates their successes. Makes people better.
• Strong managerial skills. Holds team members accountable and drives results.
• Track record of continuous improvement and cost reductions
• Strong scheduling skills to ensure customer requirements are achieved. Ensure appropriate people are working on appropriate jobs.
• Outstanding communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical, technical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Follows and promotes principles of “right things right”. Focused on Safety.
• Unyielding quality focus. Working knowledge of ISO 9002 / QS 9000 (ISO 13495 preferable).

Personal Attributes:

• Integrity & Accountability – Demonstrates the highest ethical and professional standards, acts with honesty and transparency, and consistently follows through on commitments.
• Leadership & Influence – Leads with emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and empathy. Motivates teams, builds trust, and effectively gains alignment from stakeholders across the organization.
• Customer Focus – Understands customer needs and challenges, proactively develops solutions, and drives actions that support customer satisfaction and long‑term partnerships.
• Collaboration & Communication – Builds strong working relationships at all levels of the organization through effective communication, teamwork, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Hands‑On Leadership – Leads by example through active engagement with employees and processes. Provides coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback while effectively managing conflict and performance.
• Initiative & Drive – Self‑motivated and resourceful, with a strong sense of ownership and urgency. Take proactive action to overcome obstacles and achieve business objectives.
• Results Orientation – Focused on delivering measurable results through planning, execution, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Strategic & Operational Thinking – Balances long‑term vision with practical execution. Understands the broader business objectives while remaining engaged in the details necessary for successful implementation.
• Adaptability & Resilience – Maintains composure under pressure, makes sound decisions in challenging situations, and fosters a positive, solutions‑oriented work environment.

Requirements:

• BS/BSET in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent is required
• 5+ years of management experience as a manufacturing or new product development engineer, preferably in the medical device industry.
• Hands‑on technical support in the Berlin, CT, facility and New Britain, CT facility is required.
• Formal management and/or leadership training is preferred.
• Engineering skills or technical skills surrounding manufacturing: Tooling design, metal stamping/milling/turning/grinding, injection molding, laser processing, assembly processes.
• Skilled in a 3D CAD software (Solidworks preferred) and 2D CAD software (AutoCAD or Draftsite preferred).
• Experience with PPAP (production part approval process) is preferred.
• Must be able to interpret technical drawings, product requirements and design specifications.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing/six sigma and trained in a statistical software for MSAs and Capability studies (green belt certification and Minitab preferred, respectively)
• Ability to self‑educate, learn new processes, and willingness to explore the unknown.