NPI Manufacturing Engineer – Prototyping, Scale‑Up & Launch

About AMACOSince 1919, American Art Clay Company (AMACO) has helped makers, educators, and artists bring ideas to life. From pioneering lead‑free glazes and electric kilns to establishing child-safe art standards as a founding member of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute, our fourth‑generation, family‑run team is united by a belief: creating art nurtures individuals and enriches communities. We champion continuous improvement, empowering every employee—from the factory floor to our offices—to innovate around safety, quality, customer care, teamwork, respect, and learning.

A Day in the Role You’ll split your time roughly 70% on new product development and 30% on enhancing existing offerings. Mornings might find you on the floor building a proof‑of‑concept, validating a new fixture, or leading a pilot build. Afternoons could shift to collaborating with vendors, tightening tolerances in CAD, or finalizing a manufacturing plan that moves a concept to a stable, scalable process.

Throughout, you’ll guide cross‑functional teams toward a clear Design Lock, then steer NPI through launch and ramp.

What You’ll Own Prototype Development & Fabrication Hands‑on build of functional prototypes; design and assemble proof‑of‑concept and engineering models.

Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues; electrical troubleshooting preferred.

Plan and execute tests, validation, and performance checks against requirements.

Mechanical/Product Engineering Create detailed drawings, specs, BOMs, and product documentation.

Select materials/components and manufacturing routes; perform tolerance analysis and support reliability work.

Apply DFM/DFA and serviceability principles; collaborate with suppliers to optimize cost, quality, and throughput.

Manufacturing Process Development Design and implement assembly methods, fabrication steps, inspection plans, and workflows.

Specify jigs, fixtures, tooling, and equipment to stabilize builds and improve efficiency.

Lead process validation and pilot builds to prove readiness for scale.

Launch & Scale Drive the transition from prototype to production; support NPI and ramp activities.

Author work instructions, process docs, and quality standards; train operators on assembly, testing, and QA.Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective actions during start‑up.

Cross‑Functional Leadership Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, and Production to align requirements and outcomes.

Support supplier qualification, process audits, and continuous improvement.

Own projects from concept through successful launch.

Skills You Bring You're a creative problem‑solver with strong communication and organizational habits. You’re comfortable leading teams and vendors, and you rely on a solid base in math, statistics, and preferably physics/computer science. You’re fluent in CAD (Solid Works or Fusion 360), Excel, MATLAB, and simulation tools, and you practice design optimization and project management to tackle complex production challenges.

Bonus ExperienceCNC machining (milling, turning, routers)
Welding (manual/robotic; MIG, TIG) and fixture design

Metrology, test plan creation, and gaging

Sheet metal fabricationDC/BLDC motor control

Fundamental electrical skills

Work Environment & Physical Demands Expect periods of extended standing or sitting and work in both warm and cool conditions. Regular talking/hearing is required; frequent standing, walking, hand use, and reaching occur daily. At times you may sit, climb/balance, or stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl. You’ll frequently lift or move 50+ pounds. Vision needs include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Schedule, Travel, and Reporting Full‑time, Monday–Friday, typically 40+ hours; occasional…