NPI Engineer - Cadillac Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Cadillac (MI); On-site; USD 77,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Cadillac, MI is seeking an NPI Engineer to drive new product introductions in high-volume manufacturing. This role offers a competitive salary range and opportunities to influence design for manufacturability.

You will collaborate with R&D, develop manufacturing processes, conduct pilot runs, analyze data, and lead root-cause analysis for production issues, ensuring quality and efficient ramp to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or a related technical field.
• 3+ years experience in NPI or manufacturing engineering in high-volume settings.
• Proficiency with PCB design software (Altium, Cadence Allegro) and Gerber analysis.
• Strong knowledge of SMT, wave solder, and final assembly processes.
• Experience with DFM/DFT principles and reading schematics/ drawings.

Responsibilities

• Drive the successful launch of new products into manufacturing.
• Collaborate with R&D to ensure manufacturability and production readiness.
• Develop and optimize processes for new products, including tooling and equipment.
• Conduct pilot production runs and analyze data to resolve issues.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process flows.
• Implement process controls and quality checks to ensure product integrity.
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback on manufacturability and cost.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for NPI production problems.

Skills

NPI experience

PCB design

Manufacturing processes

DFM/DFT

Reading schematics

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP knowledge

Lean manufacturing

SPC

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

Altium

Cadence Allegro

Gerber analysis

Job description

NPI Engineer | Cadillac, MI

Salary Range: $77,000 - $117,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Cadillac seeking NPI Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Cadillac region seeking NPI Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the successful launch of new products into manufacturing.
• Collaborate with R&D to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet production requirements.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new products, including tooling and equipment.
• Conduct pilot production runs and analyze data to identify and resolve production issues.
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation, including work instructions and process flows.
• Implement process controls and quality checks to ensure product integrity and consistency.
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback on manufacturability, cost, and quality.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for NPI-related production problems.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years experience in NPI (New Product Introduction) or manufacturing engineering within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in PCB design software (e.g., Altium, Cadence Allegro) and Gerber file analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including SMT, wave solder, and final assembly.
• Experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFT (Design for Testability) principles.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, assembly drawings, and other engineering documentation.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) for manufacturing quality.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, particularly for production planning and inventory.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with R&D, production, and quality teams.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

New Product Introduction Engineer, NPI Engineer, Manufacturing Launch Engineer, Product Launch Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Manufacturing Development Engineer, Production Readiness Engineer, Design Transfer Engineer, Industrialization Engineer, Product Realization Engineer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.