NPI Engineer - Plainwell Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is actively seeking an NPI Engineer in Plainwell, MI, to collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams on new product introductions and process development. You will drive manufacturability, document work instructions, and participate in DFx reviews to ensure quality and efficiency.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years of NPI experience, strong CAD skills (Altium, OrCAD, Eagle), and familiarity with PLM and ECO processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 3+ years experience in NPI within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in PCB CAD tools (Altium Designer, OrCAD, Eagle).
• Familiarity with PLM systems and ECO processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with R&D and design teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new product introductions (NPIs).
• Create and maintain detailed NPI documentation, including work instructions and process flows.
• Lead and participate in DFM and DFA reviews.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness during NPI.
• Manage and track NPI project timelines and deliverables to ensure on-time launch.
• Conduct pilot runs and first article inspections to validate new processes and products.
• Provide technical support and training to production teams for new product lines.

Skills

NPI experience

Manufacturing process optimization

Project coordination

Technical training

Education

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

Tools

Altium Designer

OrCAD

Eagle

PLM systems

Job description

NPI Engineer | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $81,000 - $121,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for excelling in npi engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Plainwell seeking experienced 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 Plainwell 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

• Collaborate with R&D and design teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new product introductions (NPIs).
• Create and maintain detailed NPI documentation, including work instructions and process flows.
• Lead and participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) reviews.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness during NPI.
• Manage and track NPI project timelines and deliverables to ensure on-time launch.
• Conduct pilot runs and first article inspections to validate new processes and products.
• Provide technical support and training to production teams for new product lines.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years experience in NPI (New Product Introduction) within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, Eagle) for PCB design and layout.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, including PCBA assembly, test, and final product assembly.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and engineering change order (ECO) processes.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) software beyond basic data entry.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small projects or drive process improvements independently.
• Familiarity with a scripting language (e.g., Python) for data analysis or automation.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and their application in an engineering context.

Job Titles That Should Apply

New Product Introduction Engineer, NPI Engineer, Product Launch Engineer, Manufacturing Launch Engineer, Process Industrialization Engineer, Product Development Engineer, NPI Manufacturing Engineer, Production Readiness Engineer, Technical Project 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.