NPI Program Lead — Prototyping to Production

C/A Design Inc.; Exeter (NH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

PTO

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement

401(k) matching

Job summary

C/A Design Inc. seeks an NPI Manager to lead cross-functional initiatives within New Product Development and Rapid Prototyping through CARIS.

The role drives planning, coordination, and execution of new product programs from prototype to production readiness, coordinating resources, timelines, and risks to ensure customer satisfaction and successful program outcomes. This leader will align customer needs with Business Development, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and internal teams, fostering a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years in new product development, business development, or innovation roles (Defense/Aerospace/Automotive preferred).
• Proven track record delivering complex cross-functional product development programs from concept to launch.
• Strong tollgate, business case development, and commercialization understanding.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing across levels.
• Ability to manage budgets, resources, timelines, and risk in a matrix environment.
• Proficiency with project/program management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, ERP) and MS Office.
• PMP or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional initiatives within New Product Development and Rapid Prototyping.
• Drive planning, coordination, and execution of new product programs from prototype to production readiness.
• Coordinate resources, manage timelines and priorities, and mitigate risks.
• Ensure alignment between customers, Business Development, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and stakeholders.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for the Rapid Prototyping Work Cell.
• Monitor program progress, identify delays or constraints, and drive timely resolution.
• Maintain information, materials, tooling, and programs for machinists and resources.
• Support prototype builds, first-piece inspections, FAI activities, and transitions to production.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing Eng to support technical requirements and process changes.
• Track key metrics related to schedule, quality, throughput, and program performance.
• Support Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Handle payroll approvals, time-off scheduling, goal setting, performance tracking, and evaluations.
• Coach and develop employees while maintaining accountability.
• Communicate program status, priorities, resources, and risks to customers and leadership.
• Support customer meetings, program reviews, and other program communications.
• Help manage changes, risks, and issues throughout product development.
• Mentor project teams and improve CARIS and NPI processes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budget management

Influencing skills

Project coordination

Problem solving

MS Project/Smartsheet

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or related field

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

ERP/MRP Systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

C/A Design Inc. seeks an NPI Manager to lead cross-functional initiatives within New Product Development and Rapid Prototyping through CARIS.

The role drives planning, coordination, and execution of new product programs from prototype to production readiness, coordinating resources, timelines, and risks to ensure customer satisfaction and successful program outcomes. This leader will align customer needs with Business Development, Engineering, Quality, Operations, and internal teams, fostering a