NPI Engineer

Fluence Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fluence Energy, Nasdaq: FLNC, is a global leader delivering energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. The NPI Engineer will join Fluence's Global Manufacturing to bring next‑gen storage products from design to production, collaborating across Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and CM partners.

You will lead manufacturing readiness, DFX, cost optimization, and product industrialization; manage trials, tooling, automation, and should-cost analysis, travel 25–40% to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in engineering; master's preferred.
• 5–7 years in NPI or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with factory ramp-up and production launches.
• Strong knowledge of DFX, PFMEA, GD&T, and should-cost analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing readiness from concept to production launch.
• Drive DFX to optimize manufacturability, quality, and cost.
• Lead pilot, validation, qualification, and production builds.
• Develop manufacturing processes, tooling, and automation.
• Perform cost analysis and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Assess supplier/manufacturing capabilities and capacity.
• Lead PFMEA and participate in design FMEA reviews.
• Manage NPI schedules, KPIs, risks, and provide status updates.
• Collaborate across departments and with CM partners.
• Travel 25–40% to US and global sites.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

PLM

ERP (SAP preferred)

Job description

Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit fluenceenergy.com.

Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated NPI Engineer to join Fluence's Global Manufacturing organization and play a key role in bringing next‑generation energy storage products from design to production. In this role, you will work at the intersection of Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to drive manufacturing readiness, Design for Excellence (DFX), cost optimization, and successful product industrialization.

You will lead cross‑functional initiatives to improve manufacturability, reduce product cost, mitigate manufacturing risks, and support prototype, pilot, and qualification builds. This is an exciting opportunity to influence cutting‑edge energy storage technologies while collaborating with global teams to deliver innovative products with the highest standards of quality, reliability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities from concept through production launch, ensuring successful factory ramp‑up across internal manufacturing sites and Contract Manufacturers (CMs).
• Drive Design for Excellence (DFX), including DFM, DFA, DFT, Design for Automation, and Design for Cost to optimize manufacturability, quality, scalability, and product cost.
• Lead pilot, validation, qualification, and production builds, ensuring manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and automation are production‑ready.
• Develop manufacturing processes, define tooling and equipment requirements, and support automation implementation to improve productivity, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Perform product cost analysis using should‑costing tools (e.g., aPriori), analyze BOMs, and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Assess supplier and manufacturing capabilities, manufacturing capacity, and supply chain readiness for new product introductions.
• Lead Process FMEA activities and participate in Design FMEA reviews to proactively identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.
• Support Product Review Committee (PRC), design reviews, and manufacturing readiness reviews while driving closure of technical issues and action items.
• Manage NPI project schedules, manufacturing KPIs, risk registers, and provide daily/weekly status updates to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and external manufacturing partners to ensure on‑time project execution.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturing efficiency, cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and production stability.
• Travel (25–40%) across U.S. and global manufacturing sites to support prototype builds, factory launches, and production ramp‑up activities.

Quality & Reliability

• Define, monitor, and report manufacturing KPIs including Manufacturing Readiness, FPY, OEE, Yield, Cycle Time, Productivity, and Cost.
• Validate manufacturing processes through process qualification, Run‑at‑Rate, and production readiness activities while ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Regulatory Compliance

• Partner with Quality and Compliance teams to ensure manufacturing processes meet applicable regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• 5–7 years of experience in NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, or Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
• Proven experience with factory ramp‑up, manufacturing readiness, production launches, and Contract Manufacturer support.
• Strong knowledge of DFX, manufacturing process development, automation, PFMEA, GD&T, Build-to-Print drawings, and should‑cost analysis.
• Experience managing multiple NPI programs, project schedules, KPI reporting, and cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PLM, ERP (SAP preferred), and project management tools.
• Excellent communication, analytical, leadership, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, global environment.

Our Culture

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

Unleash Voices

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Customer Fluent

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

Infinite Impact

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game‑changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy‑efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

All In

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Fluence, we believe great teams are built on a collaborative and connected culture. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Work Authorization

To join our team, you’ll need to be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout your employment, without the need for employer sponsorship. Please note that Fluence does not sponsor work visas for this position.