Npi Engineer
Actalent
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Actalent is seeking an NPI Engineer for a permanent, onsite role in Big Lake, MN. You will lead product and process development from quote to production, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and sales to ensure robust, cost‑effective production in a precision machining environment.
You will develop lean processes, SOPs, and process controls while guiding CNC tooling, fixture design, and BOM/BOO management within an ISO‑regulated setting.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent
- Experience with CAM software for CNC programming and toolpath development
- Lean/Six Sigma training with practical application in manufacturing environments
Responsibilities
- Lead product and process development from quote to production launch.
- Collaborate with customers to provide manufacturability feedback and influence design for manufacturing and assembly.
- Coordinate NPI activities within the department and across cross‑functional teams.
- Develop key process variables for machining and secondary operations.
- Create and maintain BOO and BOM structures within the ERP system.
- Assist in PFMEA, control plans, qualification activities, and Gage R&R studies.
- Own the first‑run manufacturing process and ensure process output meets targets.
- Design, document, and improve processes and work instructions for lean operations.
- Create and execute engineering tests to validate processes, tooling, and fixtures.
- Assist in CNC toolpath design and CNC programming methodologies for complex machined components.
- Design tools and fixtures for precision machining applications.
- Support costing and quoting with process assumptions and cycle times.
- Partner with manufacturing to drive process improvements and lean practices.
- Collaborate with sales/customer teams to align capabilities with requirements.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer leads products from initial quote through process development and into full production manufacturing. This role collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and customer teams throughout the product life cycle to ensure robust, efficient, and scalable processes. The NPI Engineer develops lean manufacturing processes, standard operating procedures, and key process controls to support high‑quality, cost‑effective production in a precision machining environment.
- Lead assigned product and process development activities through the early phases of the product life cycle, from quote to production launch.
- Collaborate directly with customers to provide manufacturability feedback and influence design for manufacturing and assembly.
- Coordinate NPI technical activities within the NPI department and across cross‑functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and sales.
- Develop key process variables for machining and secondary operations to ensure consistent, repeatable manufacturing outcomes.
- Create and maintain process Bill of Operations (BOO) and Bill of Materials (BOM) structures within the ERP system.
- Assist in the creation of NPI control plans, PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), qualification activities, and Gage R&R studies.
- Own the first‑run manufacturing process and ensure key process output variables meet performance, quality, and cost targets.
- Design, document, and continuously improve processes, procedures, and work instructions to support lean and standardized operations.
- Create and execute engineering tests to validate processes, tooling, and fixtures, and to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in the development of CNC toolpath design and CNC programming methodologies for complex machined components.
- Design tools, fixtures, and part work‑holding solutions for precision machining applications.
- Support all costing and quoting activities by providing process assumptions, cycle times, and manufacturability input.
- Partner with manufacturing teams to drive process improvements, reduce waste, and implement lean manufacturing practices.
- Collaborate with sales and customer‑facing teams to align process capabilities with customer requirements and new business opportunities.
- Coordinate activities between multiple sites as needed to support NPI projects and process transfers.
- 4+ years of experience in process development and improvement within a production manufacturing environment, preferably machining‑focused.
- Demonstrated experience in production manufacturing (machining), including precision machine shop environments.
- Proven experience in new product introduction (NPI) and process engineering for complex machined or medical device components.
- Hands‑on experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with ERP systems, including creation and maintenance of BOO and BOM structures.
- Practical experience with PFMEA, control plans, and Gage R&R for process validation and risk mitigation.
- Experience in the design and selection of fixturing and tooling for complex parts.
- Experience working within an ISO‑regulated environment.
- Proficiency with CAD software for engineering design and documentation.
- Proficient PC skills in a Windows environment, especially Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document processes and present technical information.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and functions.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross‑departmental activities and manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
- Ability to travel between sites as needed to support NPI and process activities.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or an associate degree with at least 5 years of experience in a relevant field.
- Experience with CAM software, including Swiss or milling applications, for CNC programming and toolpath development.
- LEAN and/or Six Sigma training with demonstrated practical application in manufacturing environments.
- Experience in medical device or medical technology manufacturing is highly beneficial.
- Experience in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or process engineering in a precision machining context.
- Experience with sales engineering or customer‑facing engineering support for quoting and technical discussions.
- Familiarity with manufacturing process documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and control plans.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast‑growing environment and adapt to evolving processes, technologies, and organizational needs.
This role operates in an onsite precision machine shop environment that has undergone significant upgrades to create a very clean, modern, and well‑maintained facility. The internal office space is newly renovated and state‑of‑the‑art, while the manufacturing areas follow robust safety standards appropriate for a machining and production setting. The standard schedule follows a traditional five‑day workweek with eight‑hour days, in a salaried capacity, with flexibility to support business needs as required. The environment emphasizes lean manufacturing, advanced CNC machining, and the use of CAD/CAM and ERP systems. Team members collaborate closely across engineering, manufacturing, and support functions in a growth‑oriented setting focused on expanding capabilities and developing new revenue streams. Appropriate safety attire and adherence to manufacturing safety practices are required while working in production areas.
This is a Permanent position based out of Big Lake, MN.
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.
- Medical plans = company contributes a generous portion of the premium cost.
- Dental plan = employer‑supported.
- Voluntary vision plan = low‑cost, employee‑elected.
- Basic Life Insurance = 100% employer‑paid.
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) = 100% employer‑paid.
- Short‑term disability = 100% employer‑paid.
- Long‑term disability = 100% employer‑paid.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) = 100% employer‑paid.
- Retirement contributions (details referenced in the summary, plan documents hold the specifics).
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Dependent Care FSA
This is a fully onsite position in Big Lake,MN.
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
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