NPI Manufacturing Engineer: Rapid Product Launch

Communications & Power Industries (CPI); Kilgore (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) seeks an experienced NPI Manufacturing Engineer to bridge design and manufacturability, accelerating time-to-market while minimizing cost variance. You will lead transitions from prototype to pilot to full-scale production, ensure tooling readiness, and develop robust processes and fixtures.

The role emphasizes 3D CAD modeling, BOM cost alignment, rapid prototyping, and close collaboration with R&D, quality, and operations to deliver scalable manufacturing

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5 - 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, NPI, or product industrialization
• Proven track record of successfully launching new products into production
• Experience working in cross-functional, fast-paced development environments
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, assembly, fabrication, etc.)
• Experience with DFM/DFA principles
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and CAD models
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and BOM management
• Knowledge of quality systems (e.g., control plans, PFMEA, root cause analysis)
• Proficiency in 3D CAD solid modeling
• Experience designing 3D manufacturing fixtures and tooling
• Familiarity with 3D printing or additive prototyping preferred
• Ability to develop design-phase cost estimates and manufacturing cost models
• Experience creating and optimizing process flow diagrams with measurable improvements

Responsibilities

• Own NPI Lifecycle Execution: Lead and manage product transitions from prototype through pilot builds to full-scale production.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Evaluate product designs early to identify manufacturability risks, cost drivers, and scalability concerns.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as liaison between R&D, design engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations.
• Process Development & Industrialization: Develop, implement, and validate manufacturing processes including work instructions, process flow diagrams, control plans, tooling and fixture requirements.
• Design and develop manufacturing tooling, including 3D fixtures and build aids.
• Utilize 3D CAD solid modeling to support manufacturability reviews, fixture design, and process validation.
• Leverage rapid prototyping and 3D printing where appropriate to accelerate development cycles.
• BOM Structuring & Cost Alignment: Own BOM development aligned to manufacturing strategy; develop early-stage cost models.
• Production Readiness & Pilot Builds: Lead pilot builds and production trials; drive issue resolution and readiness for full-rate production.
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Troubleshoot production issues; implement corrective actions; optimize workflows; present data-driven justification for changes.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure products and processes meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality benchmarks.

Skills

DFM / DFA

3D CAD modeling

Cost estimation

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Process development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related

Tools

ERP / MRP systems

CAD software

3D printing

Fixture design

Job description

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) seeks an experienced NPI Manufacturing Engineer to bridge design and manufacturability, accelerating time-to-market while minimizing cost variance. You will lead transitions from prototype to pilot to full-scale production, ensure tooling readiness, and develop robust processes and fixtures.

The role emphasizes 3D CAD modeling, BOM cost alignment, rapid prototyping, and close collaboration with R&D, quality, and operations to deliver scalable manufacturing