NPI Manufacturing Engineering Lead — Hands-On & Mentoring

At WHOOP, we’re on a mission to unlock human performance. WHOOP empowers users to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives.

As a Manufacturing Engineering Manager (NPI), you will own manufacturing technical readiness for two concurrent NPI programs, serving as the lead engineer on one program while guiding a small dedicated team (a Junior Manufacturing Engineer and an in‑region Process Engineer) to execute the second.

This is a player‑coach role (~70% execution / ~30% team leadership) where you will remain deeply hands‑on in process development, factory execution, and problem solving, while also driving alignment, prioritization, and growth across your team.

You will develop and troubleshoot processes, support manufacturing ramps, and ensure high quality and efficiency from prototype builds through production; partnering closely with Mechanical, Electrical, Supply Chain, Quality, and factory teams.

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing Engineering, you will be responsible and accountable for timely execution of NPI deliverables to program deadlines, while supporting and developing your team to deliver consistent, scalable manufacturing results.

• Own and lead end‑to‑end manufacturing execution for NPI, ensuring deliverables, risks, and milestones are met on schedule; accountable for on‑time readiness to program deadlines
• Serve as lead manufacturing engineer on one program while guiding execution on a second program through a small team
• Support and develop a small manufacturing engineering team, including mentoring a Junior Manufacturing Engineer and guiding an in‑region (Asia) Process Engineer to deliver parallel work streams
• Drive manufacturing technical readiness across builds: process development, documentation, optimization, validation, and handoff to sustaining/operations
• Provide technical leadership and prioritization across two projects, balancing hands‑on execution with delegation and coordination to maintain velocity and quality
• Work closely with factory teams and partners on design and qualification of fixtures and equipment; apply data‑driven methodologies to determine automation vs. manual assembly strategies
• Execute DFX and apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies throughout development and production; influence design decisions to improve yield, reliability, manufacturability, scalability, and cost
• Ensure processes meet product specification requirements and are verified via robust process control and qualification plans
• Define and conduct DOEs, FA, and structured problem solving (DMAIC, 8D, etc.) to prevent or resolve manufacturing challenges, identify root cause, and implement corrective/preventive actions
• Drive cross‑functional work on rapid development cycles while continuously evaluating options for optimal form, fit, and function
• Provide clear program‑level communication: project status, risk/issue tracking, build readiness, and escalation aligned to leadership expectations
• Coordinate parallel path/contingency efforts for high‑risk milestones and supplier readiness gaps
• Partner closely with CM/JDM and internal stakeholders to align schedule, capacity, test coverage, and quality targets
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field
• 7+ years of manufacturing experience with moderate to high volume consumer electronics (experience leading or mentoring engineers preferred)
• Experience with ultrasonic welding, adhesives, heat staking, and assembly of small battery‑powered electronics utilizing both automated and manual processes
• Demonstrated understanding of injection molded plastic part principles, defect modes, and process qualification
• Understanding of GD&T principles to define and evaluate process quality
• Proven track record qualifying manufacturing processes and troubleshooting issues on the factory floor
• Proficiency in Solid Works with best practices for fixture design
• Strong organizational, multi‑tasking, and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs
• Experience effectively communicating with…