Role Overview: Laser Process Engineer | NPI
Reporting Line: Laser Technologies Manager
Site: Berlin, CT
About the Position:
As a Laser Process Engineer focused on New Product Introduction, you will spearhead various stages of the NPI lifecycle. By operating both autonomously and in partnership with multidisciplinary project groups, you will ensure the effective execution and deployment of new initiatives involving laser marking, welding, and cutting technologies.
Key Objectives:
- Build strong professional rapport and foster teamwork to become a trusted contributor within the organization.
- Champion the company mission and core values through proactive leadership.
- Help drive business expansion by ensuring new laser-based products launch successfully and meet all defined project targets.
- Execute assigned tasks and annual goals while maintaining strict adherence to schedules and budgetary constraints.
Desired Attributes:
- Maintains an optimistic, solution-oriented mindset to help the entire team thrive in a fast-paced production environment.
- Demonstrates a proactive, hands-on, and highly responsive work style.
- Exhibits professionalism and adaptability, effectively managing complex social dynamics and high-pressure situations.
- Possesses the interpersonal skills to cultivate and sustain productive relationships with both internal stakeholders and external clients.
- Utilizes strong analytical and technical problem-solving abilities to ensure consistent project results.
- Prioritizes total customer satisfaction to help build long-term loyalty and trust.
- Displays a keen interest in learning about broader manufacturing operations, such as design, quality, sales, and accounting.
- Operates effectively whether working independently or as a key contributor within a cross-functional team.
- Demonstrates the capacity to juggle multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Maintains exceptional organizational standards and a meticulous eye for detail.
- Proactively identifies challenges and offers actionable solutions to keep projects moving forward.
- Values and incorporates constructive feedback from colleagues to improve outcomes.
- Upholds a professional demeanor and maintains emotional composure in all interactions.
Core Responsibilities:
- Lead and support all phases of the New Product Introduction lifecycle regarding laser equipment and processes.
- Manage the launch of new programs and ensure a seamless transition to production and sustaining teams.
- Verify that all laser processes meet efficiency, cycle time, and quality standards to help ensure a smooth handover to production.
- Coordinate with R&D personnel to facilitate the successful transfer of projects to the NPI and project management groups.
- Execute and document equipment, process, and part qualifications including IQ, OQ, and PQ.
- Create essential technical documentation, including work instructions, setup sheets, training materials, and process reports.
- Partner with quality engineers to develop control plans, process routings, and PFMEAs to ensure high-quality output.
- Perform root cause analysis and troubleshooting to resolve any process nonconformances.
- Configure equipment and develop robust, efficient laser programs to optimize manufacturing performance.
- Maintain clear communication with internal teams and external customers regarding all NPI laser technology requests.
- Facilitate and lead meetings and conference calls with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) initiatives to improve product outcomes.
- Define the scope and manage the implementation of new laser equipment for upcoming programs.
- Travel as necessary to support customer needs, industry events, or company facilities.
Technical Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in technical writing and professional presentations.
- Strong capability in interpreting blueprints and applying GD&T standards.
- Proven experience executing Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Expertise in diagnosing and troubleshooting machine and process issues.
- Familiarity with relevant industry software applications.
- Solid understanding of G&M Code programming.
- Comprehensive knowledge of laser and optical theory and practical application.
- Ability to utilize statistical software to interpret data and charts.
- Knowledge of validation and qualification protocols for medical devices.
Required Qualifications:
- At least 5 years of experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in laser processing, specifically welding, marking, and cutting.
- Experience with medical component manufacturing and PPAP procedures.
- Proven track record of developing efficient processes and scaling new programs to high-volume production.
- Demonstrated success collaborating with cross-functional teams and external clients.
- Experience working with automation and custom machine solutions.
Education:
- BSME degree or equivalent professional experience.