NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Job Juncture; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Job Juncture is seeking a Senior NPI Manufacturing Engineer to own the transition of precision-molded elastomer and rubber solutions from concept to the production floor. The role requires 5+ years in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and a passion for solving complex process engineering puzzles.

You will own the launch lifecycle, master elastomer processes (compression, injection molding, extrusion, and bonding), and drive manufacturability by collaborating with design engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5+ years in NPI/manufacturing engineering.
• Hands-on knowledge of rubber/polymer manufacturing (molding, extrusion, coatings, and secondary operations).
• Strong GD&T, CAD, and material validation methods.
• Experience in aerospace/defense or highly regulated AS9100 environments is a plus.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, ERP/MRP fluency, or automated/additive manufacturing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the launch lifecycle from concept to production on aerospace/defense parts.
• Translate complex drawings into production BOMs, routers, work instructions, and labor standards.
• Define parameters and optimize elastomer/composite manufacturing processes.
• Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and secondary processing aids for flexible polymers.
• Lead prototype/pilot trials and production readiness reviews; use PFMEA and root-cause analysis to stabilize manufacturing.

Skills

NPI process

DFM reviews

PFMEA

Root cause analysis

GD&T

CAD

Elastomer processing

Aerospace/defense

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD

AS9100

Job description

Our client is looking to hire a Senior NPI Manufacturing Engineer to own the transition of precision-molded elastomer and rubber solutions from concept to the production floor. If you have 5+ years of experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and love solving complex process engineering puzzles, we want to talk to you.

What you'll do:

• Own the launch lifecycle: Translate complex aerospace/defense drawings into flawless production realities (BOMs, routers, work instructions, and labor standards).
• Master the elastomer process: Define parameters and optimize manufacturing for custom elastomeric and polymer-based products—including compression, transfer, injection molding, extrusion, and advanced rubber-to-metal bonding.
• Tooling & Producibility: Design and implement custom tooling, fixtures, jigs, templates, and secondary processing aids specifically tailored for flexible polymer behaviors.
• Drive manufacturability: Partner early with Design Engineering to conduct DFM reviews, evaluate compound/material process constraints, and reduce inspection challenges.
• Validate & scale: Run prototype/pilot trials, lead production readiness reviews, and utilize PFMEAs and root cause analysis to stabilize manufacturing and minimize material scrap.

What you bring:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Aerospace, or similar) + 5+ years of NPI/Manufacturing Engineering experience.
• Elastomer Expertise: Hands-on knowledge of rubber/polymer manufacturing (molding, extrusion, coatings, and secondary operations).
• The Toolkit: Strong grasp of GD&T, CAD (for jigs/fixtures), and material validation methods.
• Industry Know-How: Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated AS9100 environments is a massive plus.
• Bonus Points: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, ERP/MRP fluency, or automated/additive manufacturing experience.