NPI Project Lead - Precision Manufacturing

FM Industries; Ulmar (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) Retirement Savings - with a gen

Company match

Job summary

FM Industries is seeking a seasoned NPI Program Manager to lead cross-functional New Product Introduction programs from kick-off to production release in Livermore, CA. You will coordinate engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customer teams, driving schedules, risks, and launch readiness.

The role requires PMP/Lean/Six Sigma credentials, 5+ years in high-tech manufacturing, and strong NPD/NPI experience. Familiarity with DFx reviews, PFMEA, and ERP systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing or Industrial Technology, Operations or Project Management, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in precision manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, or similar high-technology industries.
• 3+ years leading complex cross-functional projects.
• Experience managing New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Product Development (NPD).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, engineering development, product lifecycle management, and production launch processes.
• Strong organizational, planning, scheduling, prioritization, and project leadership skills.
• Experience with project management methodologies, stage-gate processes, and risk management frameworks.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, product structures, BOM management, and manufacturing documentation.
• Working knowledge of machining, assembly, inspection, cleanroom manufacturing, welding, anodizing, precision cleaning, and testing processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Teams, and related project management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from project kick-off through production release.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, milestones, deliverables, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, Planning, and Customer teams.
• Serve as the primary internal point of coordination for development projects.
• Facilitate project reviews and drive execution to meet customer commitments and business objectives.
• Track and communicate project status, key performance indicators, open actions, risks, roadblocks, and mitigation plans.
• Manage customer development programs involving evolving designs, changing requirements, and iterative engineering releases.
• Coordinate engineering development activities including design reviews, manufacturability reviews, qualification plans, process validation, and production readiness assessments.
• Lead project risk identification and mitigation activities throughout the product lifecycle.
• Drive accountability for project deliverables across all functional departments.
• Coordinate design revisions, customer specification updates, and implementation plans.
• Facilitate Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Quality reviews.
• Coordinate pilot and first production builds.
• Support development and execution of qualification and validation activities including process qualification, product testing, and customer acceptance requirements.
• Ensure manufacturing methods, routings, BOMs, inspection plans, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions are completed before production release.
• Coordinate ERP setup and readiness activities for new products.
• Work with Supply Chain and Purchasing to ensure material availability, supplier readiness, and long-lead procurement requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure PFMEAs, Control Plans, Inspection Plans, and risk management activities are completed prior to launch.
• Support customer communications regarding schedules, project status, technical issues, risks, and launch readiness.
• Support process improvement initiatives aimed at reducing development cycle times and improving launch performance.
• Maintain compliance with ISO procedures, customer requirements, and FM Industries established protocols.
• Understand safety work processes including JSA and MOC requirements.

Skills

PMP Certification/Training

Lean Manufacturing Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt

APQP Certification/Training

PFMEA Certification/Training

GD&T Certification/Training

MS Office Proficiency

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing or Industrial Technology, Operations or Project Management, or related technical discipline

Tools

ERP Systems

Job description

FM Industries is seeking a seasoned NPI Program Manager to lead cross-functional New Product Introduction programs from kick-off to production release in Livermore, CA. You will coordinate engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customer teams, driving schedules, risks, and launch readiness.

The role requires PMP/Lean/Six Sigma credentials, 5+ years in high-tech manufacturing, and strong NPD/NPI experience. Familiarity with DFx reviews, PFMEA, and ERP systems is essential.