Staff New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BCBS medical

401(k) match

On-site gym

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) in Huntsville, AL seeks a Staff NPI Engineer to define production-readiness standards and guide complex new products from development to scalable manufacturing. This senior IC will shape architecture decisions and set the technical gating criteria for successful handoff.

You will lead prototype builds, drive cross-functional problem solving, mentor engineers, and coordinate with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 9+ years in NPI or hardware engineering with complex launches.
• Proven success guiding hardware products from development to production ramp.
• Deep expertise in DFM/DFA, process development, BOMs.
• Ability to analyze build data to assess readiness and risks.
• Ability to set technical standards and influence architecture.
• Experience leading cross-functional problem solving across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
• Capability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own NPI strategy and production-readiness standards.
• Act as senior authority for manufacturability and scalability.
• Define readiness criteria, gates, and evidence for transition.
• Lead complex prototype and pilot builds and drive closure.
• Architect manufacturing approaches, tooling, fixtures, tests.
• Resolve cross-functional technical issues with teams and suppliers.
• Own launch-phase yield and process risk through stabilization.
• Identify long-range production risks and mitigation strategies.
• Establish NPI methods, metrics, and handoff practices.
• Mentor engineers and raise technical capability.

Skills

NPI strategy

DFM/DFA

Process development

Production readiness

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decisions

Technical mentorship

System integration

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

ERP/PLM systems

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 Staff New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer to set the technical standard for how complex new products move from development into scalable production. This role is a senior individual contributor and technical authority across NPI, shaping product and manufacturing decisions early, defining production-readiness expectations, solving the most complex launch problems, and building repeatable practices that raise NPI capability across programs.

What You’ll Do

• Own NPI technical strategy and production-readiness standards for complex new products and major product introductions, from early architecture through stable production handoff.
• Serve as a senior technical authority for manufacturability, assembly, testability, process capability, and production scalability, influencing design decisions before design freeze.
• Define and enforce objective readiness criteria, technical gates, and evidence required to transition products from development into production.
• Lead the most complex prototype and pilot builds, using yield, defect, process, and build data to identify systemic risks and drive technical closure.
• Architect manufacturing approaches for new products, including process flows, tooling, fixtures, test strategies, documentation, and critical process controls.
• Drive resolution of high-impact cross-functional technical issues spanning Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and suppliers.
• Own launch-phase yield and process risk for critical programs through production stabilization, leading root-cause analysis and corrective action on systemic issues.
• Identify long-range production, supplier, capacity, and technology risks and shape mitigation strategies early in the product development lifecycle.
• Establish and improve NPI methods, metrics, documentation standards, and handoff practices that scale across products and programs.
• Mentor engineers and raise technical capability across the NPI and broader engineering organization through technical reviews, coaching, and reusable best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 9+ years of experience in NPI, manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or related hardware engineering roles, with significant ownership of complex product launches.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple complex hardware products from development through production ramp and stabilization.
• Deep expertise in DFM/DFA, manufacturing process development, engineering drawings, BOMs, configuration control, and production documentation.
• Advanced ability to use build, yield, defect, and process data to assess readiness, diagnose systemic issues, and make technical tradeoffs.
• Proven ability to define technical standards and influence product architecture, design decisions, and manufacturing strategy without direct authority.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical problem solving across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
• Strong technical leadership, communication, and mentoring skills with the ability to operate effectively across multiple programs and senior stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or another complex electromechanical hardware environment.
• Experience developing or scaling NPI frameworks, production-readiness gates, or manufacturing systems across multiple product lines.
• Experience with ERP, PLM, structured ECO/ECN processes, supplier industrialization, and production ramp in regulated or high-reliability environments.

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.