NPI Manufacturing Engineer: Drive Process & Production

LightPath Technologies; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

LightPath Technologies in Plano, TX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead development, optimization, and validation of manufacturing processes for new and existing products. The role bridges Engineering and Operations, supporting NPI, process development, factory optimization, and transition from prototype to full-rate production.

The ideal candidate has strong Lean, process simulation, statistical analysis, and GD&T knowledge within regulated environments, with 5–7 years of manufacturing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5–7 years of manufacturing engineering experience in DoD, aerospace, defense, or highly regulated environments.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing system design and process optimization.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience with statistical analysis and process capability.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR.
• Travel 4 – 6 times per year.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and validate manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Design manufacturing workflows that maximize quality, throughput, and repeatability.
• Develop manufacturing routings, work instructions, process specifications, and standard work.
• Lead process qualification and production readiness activities.
• Support DFM, DFA, and concurrent engineering efforts.
• Build analytical and simulation models to evaluate capacity, labor, equipment utilization, bottlenecks, and flow.
• Perform cycle time analysis, line balancing, takt time development, and capacity planning.
• Utilize discrete-event simulation and IE tools to optimize production systems.
• Perform 'what-if' analyses supporting production planning and growth initiatives.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on waste elimination and productivity.
• Perform Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
• Conduct root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Apply Six Sigma tools including DOE, SPC, capability studies, and statistical analysis.
• Identify automation opportunities to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Resolve manufacturing issues affecting safety, quality, delivery, or cost.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering on corrective and preventive actions.
• Support supplier process development and production transfers when required.
• Provide technical guidance to production personnel during process implementation.
• Develop and maintain: Manufacturing Process Instructions, Standard Work, PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Process simulation

Statistical analysis

Root cause analysis

Six Sigma

DOE

GD&T

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

NPI knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline

Job description

LightPath Technologies in Plano, TX is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead development, optimization, and validation of manufacturing processes for new and existing products. The role bridges Engineering and Operations, supporting NPI, process development, factory optimization, and transition from prototype to full-rate production.

The ideal candidate has strong Lean, process simulation, statistical analysis, and GD&T knowledge within regulated environments, with 5–7 years of manufacturing