NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

For more information about Draper, visit

At Draper, we apply cutting edge science and engineering to solve our nation's most challenging problems in strategic systems, space systems, biotechnology, and electronic systems. Our Operations team plays a critical role in bringing these innovations from concept to reality.

We are seeking an NPI Manufacturing Engineer to join our Manufacturing Operations organization. This role will serve as the bridge between Production, Supply Chain, and Program teams, ensuring operational excellence from proposal, development through LRIP (low-rate initial production).

• Be part of Operations support for programs across the product lifecycle, with a focus on emerging programs.
• Collaborate with Operations content in proposals, including cost, schedule, support Basis of Estimates for proposals and manufacturing approaches, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with New Product Introduction (NPI) requirements.
• Collaborate between Operations and assigned programs, driving execution for all operations scope activities.
• Support production readiness by leading manufacturing planning, bid & proposal inputs, PFMECA, design for manufacturing considerations, tooling/fixturing plans, limited life material plan, and Production Readiness Reviews (PRR).
• Partner with supply chain teams to confirm procurement plans, document make/buy decisions and establish complete supplier Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Evaluate supplier Manufacturing Readiness Package (MRP) to support make/buy decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement into Operations activities, advancing efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.

• Understanding of NPI and transition-to-production practices.
• Ability to work cross-functionally (manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality) with competing priorities.
• Some experience developing and managing manufacturing plans, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Knowledge of defense/aerospace hardware production is a plus.

• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards.
• Help define the approach to solve a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design and manufacturing decisions and communicate them to project leadership.

• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• Be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field.

3-5 years experience in Product Engineering or related.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Active Secret clearance is desired.

Cambridge

Massachusetts

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$75,000.00 - $

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations.

Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role.…