NPI Program Lead - Manufacturing Transfer & Launch

Waters Corporation; Taunton (MA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Waters Corporation in Taunton, MA is seeking an experienced New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager to lead end-to-end program delivery from R&D into manufacturing and post-launch production readiness. You will orchestrate cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial to ensure schedules, requirements, and budgets are met.

The role requires 8+ years in NPI or related disciplines and a track record of managing complex programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred)
• 8+ years of experience in NPI, product transfer, or complex manufacturing program management
• Proven experience leading phase-gate product development and launch programs
• Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness, validation, and regulatory environments
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and large programs

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of NPI programs from development through production readiness and post-launch stabilization
• Establish and maintain integrated program plans, milestones, and deliverables aligned to business objectives
• Oversee receiving site phase-gate acceptance, ensuring clear entry/exit criteria and decision-making rigor
• Provide structured program governance with regular status reporting, risk tracking, and escalation management
• Develop and own the integrated NPI master schedule across all functions
• Identify critical path activities and proactively manage dependencies and constraints
• Ensure alignment of R&D timelines with manufacturing readiness and product transfer milestones
• Drive accountability for on-time delivery and escalated risks to timeline adherence
• Ensure product requirements, specifications, and success criteria are clearly defined, documented, and transferred
• Partner with R&D and Quality to ensure completeness of design outputs, documentation, and validation requirements
• Confirm manufacturing readiness, including process definition, work instructions, and acceptance criteria
• Drive closure of gaps in product definition prior to launch
• Track program financial performance and identify cost risks and opportunities
• Drive cost-efficient product transfer and launch execution
• Align with cross-functional teams (R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS) to deliver program objectives
• Identify resource needs and resolve capacity constraints across sites and functions
• Act as primary liaison between stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability
• Ensure complete and successful transfer of products into manufacturing, including all processes, materials, and documentation
• Oversee production readiness reviews and first-pass yield performance post-launch
• Drive rapid resolution of issues during initial production ramp
• Ensure long-term manufacturing stability and scalability
• Ensure compliance with EHS, ISO, and regulatory standards throughout the NPI lifecycle
• Engage EHS and Quality early to proactively address risks to manufacturing and safety
• Lead improvements to NPI and product transfer processes, including standard work and best practices
• Implement lessons learned and drive standardization across programs #LI-CB1

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical discipline

Job description

Waters Corporation in Taunton, MA is seeking an experienced New Product Introduction (NPI) Manager to lead end-to-end program delivery from R&D into manufacturing and post-launch production readiness. You will orchestrate cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial to ensure schedules, requirements, and budgets are met.

The role requires 8+ years in NPI or related disciplines and a track record of managing complex programs.