The NPI (New Product Introduction) Specialist works closely with all departments to ensure process requirements are established, documented, optimized, and trained, to achieve customer expectations. This position will focus on hands-on coordinating, planning, and managing of the entire milestone process for selected NPI. This will include ownership from initial customer interactions, through process manufacturing, and closing with final QA and shipping. This position will be the technical subject matter expert for new accounts and special projects.
Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities:
- Coordinates strategies and planning with all departments for introducing and managing the manufacturing process for metal surface coatings of new product opportunities.
- Creates and manages detailed project plans and timelines for new-product surface coating processing.
- Participate in customer meetings (kick-off, technical reviews, etc.) with Sales and Engineering, as required.
- Collaborates with Sales and Engineering at the internal front-end review and planning of NPI.
- Sets up and enters all applicable data into the company’s ERP system (MS D365) to develop a 1st Article workstream.
- Works closely with Sales to evaluate process and tooling requirements for NPI during the initial quoting phase.
- Assists with quotes in correlation with the 1st Article ERP setup, as required.
- Provides engineering support for various stages of manufacturing operations.
- Identifies and resolves NPI project delays and setbacks with collaborative communication with other departments.
- Monitors and reports on NPI project progress to other managers and support teams.
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials, components and services associated with NPI projects.
- Develops and maintains associated documentation and data reports associated with NPI integration.
- Supports Engineering and Quality with root-cause analysis and problem-solving activities.
- Prepares and manages proper handoff of NPI to Operations/Production.
- Collaborates with all departments to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in the corrective action process.
- Participate in dispositioning NCR reports and developing contingency plans for NPI bottlenecks.
- Supports team for compliance with all safety policies and procedures and active involvement in proactive safety measures.
- Incorporates self-opportunities for maintaining up-to-date knowledge of surface coating technologies and best practices.
- Designs and procures fixtures as needed to support NPI.
- Reviews job travelers to correct errors, streamline, and ensure accuracy for proper processing, inspection, and spec flow down requirements.
Physical/Environmental/Chemical Hazards:
- Sharp parts, sharp tooling, heavy carts, occasional hot and cold temperature and humidity levels, heat from ovens, moderate noise levels, limited hand and air tool use, compressed air (must use hearing protection).
- Must be able to lift 30-50 lbs. unassisted.
- Quick-pace multi-tasking expectations.
- Potential chemical splash exposure near process lines.
- Various chemicals used in process.
Education/Qualifications:
- BS Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent work experience is required. 2-5 years experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
- Strong technical background in a related technical field and practice is preferred.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of basic quality standards (ISO 9001) and regulatory requirements is preferred.
- Experience with new product introduction and/or product management skills is preferred.
- Some knowledge of chemistry a plus.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment and meet tight deadlines.
- Experience with ERP (D365) systems is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Self-starter and sense of urgency to identify and solve problems.