NPI Engineer

As an NPI Lead at XTEND, you will serve as the strategic "bridge" between R&D and mass production. Your primary focus will be leading the Transfer to Production (TTP) lifecycle, ensuring that engineering designs are successfully translated into scalable, high-quality products.

In this role, you will orchestrate the collaboration between development teams, the Configuration Manager, and the Production Engineer. Instead of deep-dive circuit analysis, you will focus on project synchronization, vendor management, and process integrity, ensuring that timelines are met and production bottlenecks are eliminated.

Main Responsibilities:

• TTP Project Management: Lead NPI activities from the prototype phase through mass production, managing Gantt charts, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Engineering Coordination: Act as the primary focal point between R&D, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure design maturity and production readiness.
• Vendor & EMS Management: Manage technical communication and ongoing relationships with Contract Manufacturers (EMS) and strategic suppliers, both locally and globally.
• BOM & Content Integrity: Take ownership of the Bill of Materials (BOM) and technical product files. Ensure accuracy before implementation into the PLM system and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Quality & Yield Oversight: Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) processes and monitor production yields, working with suppliers to resolve systematic manufacturing issues.
• Operational Readiness: Coordinate Alpha/Beta builds and ensure all production documentation, tools, and materials are ready for scale-up.

Requirements

• Education: B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering & Management, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience: 3–5 years of proven experience in NPI roles or Engineering Project Management for multidisciplinary products (Hardware/Mechanics) – Must.
• Project Leadership: Proven track record of managing complex timelines and leading Transfer to Production (TTP) processes.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications.
• Vendor Management: Experience in managing Turn-key projects and maintaining professional interfaces with global EMS providers.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of thriving in a high-pressure, fast-paced startup environment.
• Communication: Excellent teamwork skills and high-level English (both verbal and written) for global vendor interface.

Advantages:

• Experience with PLM systems (specifically Arena).
• Familiarity with ERP software (specifically Priority).
• Experience with CAD tools (Solidworks / Orcad).
• Background in Drone technology, Robotics, or Aerospace systems.