NPI Coordinator

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices across the globe. Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are searching for an
NPI Coordinator to join our team in Corona, CA. This person will coordinate and run new model prototypes. Additionally, this person will ensure all documentation & processes are current and available for NPI production in specified departments.

• End-to end build coordination:
  • Coordinate MPR, pilot, and pre-production builds across all production departments Including mill, Intersand, Paint, B&P, Sub-assy, final and packaging.
  • Run and validate new body, neck, electronics, through each department and confirm readiness to spec and print before handoff.
  • Maintain a single build tracker showing where every NPI unit is, what it is waiting on, and who owns the next step.
  • Lead daily check-ins with department leads and upscale blockers to the NPI Project leaders and Manager
• Cross-functional handoff:
  • Act as the working link between R&D/NPI and Factory carrying design intent, drawings, and specs into the plant.
  • Track deliverables owned by NPI, R&D, PD, Engineering, QA, and Ops, and flag anything late or missing before phase gate reviews.
• Materials, R&D DWG and BOM readiness:
  • Confirm BOM accuracy and material availability for each build, working with Planning to open orders for builds on the floor and coordanite with Purchasing to ensure parts are available for department leads to work on new products.
  • Confirm R&D DWG availability and share the information with department leads on the specifications
• Process validation:
  • Coordinate first-article parts from each department and work with NPI, Engineering and R&D to be able to understand on the pass or fail criteria
  • Understand the process capability during the MPR and Pilot run, collect and summarize the data and present it to NPI, Engineering for approval and improvements
  • Provide DFM recommendations whenever appropriate
• Documentation and training:
  • Help create and update Work instructions and in-process spec sheets in every department as necessary
  • Train operators on new models using a “show and do” approach, and maintain training records
• Capture lessons learned after each launch and recommend improvements to the NPI process, templates and gate criteria
• Splits time between the production floor (about 80%) and meetings (about 20%).
• Run & validate new body, neck, and sub-assembly samples thru processes
• Coordinate sample completion through the department processes utilizing relevant documentation
• Additional duties as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 1 year guitar or related industry manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles desired
• Ability to read drawings, spec sheets, work instructions, and BOMs.
• Working knowledge of First Article Inspection and basic measuring tools.
• Excellent communication skills (English & Spanish preferred), ability to speak in group settings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent time management skills, ability to prioritize assignments to meet deadlines

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit  . FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together.

Fender Musical…