NPI Engineer

Lightpath Technologies 1; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

LightPath Technologies in Orlando, FL is seeking an experienced NPI Engineer to oversee the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes for optical and photonic products. You will partner with Design, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program Management to support business, customer, and regulatory objectives in a publicly traded environment.

Minimum requirements include a 4-year engineering degree and 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, with hands-on

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of optical and photonic manufacturing processes.
• Experience with MIL specifications, ITAR, and ISO/ANSI standards is preferred.
• Understanding of cost modeling, yield improvement, and scalability in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development, validation, and implementation of optical manufacturing processes.
• Lead process development for precision optics, alignment, coating support, and integrated assemblies.
• Ensure robust process documentation (travellers, work instructions, routings, SOPs, PFMEA, control plans).
• Support new product introductions (NPI), technology transfers, and scaling from development to full-rate production.
• Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma to improve yield and reduce waste.

Skills

Optical manufacturing

Process development

Quality systems

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

DFM/DFx

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: LightPath Technologies - Orlando, FL 32826
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: 4 Year Degree
• Travel Percentage: None
• Job Shift: First Shift
• Job Category: Engineering

The NPI Engineer is responsible for overseeing the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes for optical and photonic products, including precision optics, optical assemblies, and related manufacturing processes. This onsite role supports a publicly traded environment and emphasizes quality, compliance, scalability, and cost control. The position partners cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program Management to support business, customer, and regulatory objectives.

Responsibilities

Process Development & Optimization

• Oversee the development, validation, and implementation of manufacturing processes for optical and photonic components, subassemblies, and systems, ensuring product performance, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Lead process development for precision optics manufacturing, optical alignment, coating support, and integrated optical assemblies as applicable.
• Ensure robust process documentation, including travelers, work instructions, routings, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), process flows, PFMEA, and control plans
• Support new product introductions (NPI), technology transfers, and scaling of optical products from development through full-rate production.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Optical Design, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and smooth transition of optical designs into production.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program Management to meet customer, regulatory, and financial objectives in a publicly traded environment.
• Serve as a technical liaison for resolving complex manufacturing challenges related to optics, photonics, and precision assemblies.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve yield.
• Analyze production metrics and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve operational performance.
• Champion best practices in process control and efficiency.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations, including MIL specifications, ITAR, ISO 9001/AS9100 (as applicable), ANSI, and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Support compliance with internal controls, documentation rigor, and audit requirements typical of a publicly traded company.
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible manufacturing environment.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits and ensure timely corrective and preventive actions.

Budget & Resource Management

• Evaluate capital equipment needs and support justification, procurement, and implementation.
• Balance cost control with operational and quality objectives.

Technical Support

• Provide hands‑on technical leadership to resolve complex manufacturing issues.
• Support root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Optimize production output, process capability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Qualifications

Knowledge, ability and skills

• Strong knowledge of optical and photonic manufacturing processes, including precision machining, polishing, coating support, alignment, bonding, and metrology (as applicable).
• Expertise with MIL specifications, ITAR regulations, and ISO/ANSI standards; familiarity with AS9100 or similar regulated quality systems preferred.
• Understanding of cost modeling, yield improvement, and scalability in a publicly traded manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, quality, and executive leadership.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Minimum previous experience/qualification

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field) required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering.
• 1–3 years of supervisory or people management experience required.