Senior NPI Manager

Job Title:

Senior New Product Introduction Manager

Function:
Manufacturing

Duration:
Permanent

Hours:

Full Time (37 hours per week)

Location(s):
Fife

Security Clearance Requirements:
Baseline. – Must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Our client is a powerhouse in defence and aerospace, where innovation meets impact. As a key partner to the UK government and global customers, we tackle the toughest challenges across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Beyond cutting-edge defence solutions, we lead the way in digital training transformation for both military and commercial clients. You will work with pioneering technology, collaborate with top industry experts, and be part of a dynamic team that fuels your growth.

Whether youre looking to push boundaries, develop your skills, or make a real-world impact, your future starts here.

Raytheon are looking for an NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineering Manager for a high-impact leadership role responsible for bridging the gap between R&D and full-scale manufacturing. The following specification outlines the core responsibilities, qualifications, and technical skills required for this position based on current industry standards.

Strategic Leadership:
Direct a cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers to design and industrialise new electronic products, from initial design concept (RFQ) through to full production handover.

Lifecycle Management:
Lead products through formal stage-gate processes (e.g., AS9145, APQP) from initial bid and concept to production handover.

Design for Excellence (DfX):
Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Testability (DfT), and Cost (DfC) to ensure designs are robust and cost-effective.

Risk Mitigation:
Manage Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) and conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify and resolve production risks early.

Supply Chain Integration:
Collaborate with procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability.

Risk Mitigation:
Proactively identify and resolve technical or supply chain risks using PFMEA and root-cause analysis (RCCA).

Technical Reporting:
Establish project baselines for cost, schedule, and quality, providing regular updates to senior leadership and customers.

Cost & Schedule Control:
Establish and monitor project baselines for cost, schedule, and scope, frequently reporting progress to senior stakeholders.

Process Development:
Drive the creation of manufacturing plans, work instructions, tooling, and fixture requirements.

Cross-Functional Coordination:
Align diverse departments—including R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations—to achieve successful launch goals.

Manufacturing Readiness:
Oversee Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and maturation plans to ensure production lines are capable and stable.

Gate Review Management:
Chair and manage NPI Gate processes, Design Gate reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews.

Education:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Manufacturing Engineering.

Experience:

Significant experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or management capacity.

Sector Expertise:
Proven track record in a highly regulated environment, such as Aerospace (AS9100/9102), Defence, or Space.

Standards Knowledge:
Expertise in industry-specific standards such as AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), and J-STD-001.

Security Clearance:
Ability to obtain and maintain national security vetting (e.g., UK SC or US Secret clearance) is often mandatory.

Project Management:
Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and methodologies (PMP or PRINCE2 certification is…