Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, &

On-site gym at Huntsville location

Safe Harbor 401(k) with match

Employer provided life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Generous PTO and flexible leave

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Senior New Product Introduction Engineer to drive the transition of new designs into repeatable production. You will own engineering readiness, from concept to handoff, ensuring data, documentation, and processes support scalable production.

You will embed manufacturability, cost, quality, and supply chain resilience into early decisions, coordinating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve issues and manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in NPI, manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or a similar engineering role.
• Proven experience launching complex hardware products from engineering development into production.
• Strong knowledge of DFM/DFA, engineering drawings, BOM structures, manufacturing documentation, and configuration/change control.
• Experience planning and executing prototype or pilot builds and using data to assess manufacturing readiness, yield, and process capability.
• Demonstrated ability to identify technical and production risks, lead root-cause analysis, and drive corrective actions across functions.
• Strong project execution skills with the ability to manage multiple fast-moving priorities and technical dependencies.
• Clear cross-functional communication skills and the ability to influence Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and supplier partners.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own engineering readiness for new products from concept review through formal production handoff, establishing clear evidence that designs and processes are ready to scale.
• Provide actionable DFM/DFA input before design freeze and partner with Design Engineering to resolve manufacturability issues early.
• Embed manufacturability, cost, quality, and supply chain resilience into product development decisions.
• Lead creation and maintenance of production-ready engineering documentation, including BOMs, drawings, specifications, work instructions, and change-controlled records.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute prototype and pilot builds; analyze build data to validate processes, identify gaps, and drive readiness for full-rate production.
• Own launch-phase yield and process risk through the production handoff gate, driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions with cross-functional partners.
• Identify production, sourcing, tooling, and supplier risks and drive mitigation plans to closure.
• Partner across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and suppliers to maintain alignment and resolve issues throughout the NPI lifecycle.
• Track NPI timelines, readiness criteria, key deliverables, and technical risks to support on-time product release.
• Drive continuous improvement in NPI methods, documentation, and handoff practices based on lessons learned from launches.

Skills

NPI

Manufacturing Engineering

DFM/DFA

Project Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Process Validation

Data-driven Decision Making

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

PLM software

CAD tools

BOM structures

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. Weoperateby a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Senior New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer to lead the transition of new designs into repeatable, scalable production. This role sits at the intersection of design and manufacturing, influencing product decisions early, owning engineering readiness through launch, and ensuring new products enter production with the data, documentation, and process discipline required to perform reliably at scale.

What You’ll Do

• Own engineering readiness for new products from concept review through formal production handoff, establishing clear evidence that designs and processes are ready to scale.
• Provide actionable DFM/DFA input before design freeze and partner with Design Engineering to resolve manufacturability issues early.
• Embed manufacturability, cost, quality, and supply chain resilience into product development decisions.
• Lead creation and maintenance of production-ready engineering documentation, including BOMs, drawings, specifications, work instructions, and change-controlled records.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute prototype and pilot builds; analyze build data to validate processes, identify gaps, and drive readiness for full-rate production.
• Own launch-phase yield and process risk through the production handoff gate, driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions with cross-functional partners.
• Identify production, sourcing, tooling, and supplier risks and drive mitigation plans to closure.
• Partner across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and suppliers to maintain alignment and resolve issues throughout the NPI lifecycle.
• Track NPI timelines, readiness criteria, key deliverables, and technical risks to support on-time product release.
• Drive continuous improvement in NPI methods, documentation, and handoff practices based on lessons learned from launches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in NPI, manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or a similar engineering role.
• Proven experience launching complex hardware products from engineering development into production.
• Strong knowledge of DFM/DFA, engineering drawings, BOM structures, manufacturing documentation, and configuration/change control.
• Experience planning and executing prototype or pilot builds and using data to assess manufacturing readiness, yield, and process capability.
• Demonstrated ability to identify technical and production risks, lead root-cause analysis, and drive corrective actions across functions.
• Strong project execution skills with the ability to manage multiple fast-moving priorities and technical dependencies.
• Clear cross-functional communication skills and the ability to influence Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and supplier partners.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Experience with ERP, PLM, and structured ECO/ECN processes.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or another complex electromechanical hardware environment.
• Experience working directly with external suppliers and contract manufacturers during product launch.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office and manufacturing equipment and to handle engineering hardware, tools, and components. Must be able to work safely in office, lab, and manufacturing environments.

This position operates in office, engineering lab, and manufacturing environments and requires regular cross-functional work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain. The role may involve exposure to production equipment, tools, machinery, noise, and non-climate-controlled areas and may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Occasional travel to supplier facilities, test sites, or other PDW locations may be required. This is a fast-paced work environment with both independent and team-based responsibilities and occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.