NPI Program Lead, Hardware & Optics Manufacturing

Jobtailor

Minnesota

On-site

USD 130,000 - 170,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Senior Manufacturing/Process Engineering leader in Minnesota to drive NPI and sustaining programs from development to high-volume production. You will align cross-functional teams across Product, Supplier Quality, Test, and DFx, serving as the main technical escalation point for ferrule production issues and leading root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

You will prepare contract manufacturers for pre-production builds, assess technical readiness, and push for

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree completed and verified before start date.
Seven years of combined experience in product/process/manufacturing engineering or technical program management in hardware/optics manufacturing.
Five years leading NPI programs from development to mass production.
Five years of hands-on root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, DMAIC, fishbone), etc.
Three years working with contract manufacturers or external partners.
Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Experience with fiber optic components, ferrule manufacturing, or related earlier stages.

Responsibilities

Drive technical and operational success of new product introduction and sustaining programs.
Lead cross-functional engineering teams including Product, Supplier Quality, Test, and DFx.
Serve as primary escalation point for ferrule production process issues.
Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
Prepare contract manufacturers for pre-production builds.
Own technical readiness assessments of contract manufacturers.
Drive design for manufacturability and yield improvements.
Lead technical deep-dives for critical production issues.
Guide teams through complex product design and manufacturing challenges.
Collaborate with contract manufacturers to troubleshoot on-site or remotely.
Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory guidelines.
Communicate risks and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers.