NPI Engineer Manager

The NPI Engineering Manager (Plastics & Injection Molding) is responsible for leading the New Product Introduction (NPI) process from concept through full production release. This role manages NPI engineers and cross-functional activities to ensure new products are launched on time, within cost targets, and meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. The position serves as the technical and operational bridge between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customers.

• Champion and uphold the company’s values, vision, mission and quality policy in all activities.
• Adhere to and help enforce company policies, procedures, and internal control standards.
• Own and manage the end-to-end NPI process, from customer handoff through production launch.
• Develop and maintain standardized NPI workflows, phase-gate reviews, and documentation.
• Drive project schedules, risk mitigation, and cost targets for new programs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop NPI Engineers and supporting technical staff.
• Assign project workloads, set priorities, and conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure engineering resources are aligned with business needs and launch timelines.
• Partner closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure smooth product transitions.
• Serve as the primary technical escalation point during product launches.
• Support customer meetings and technical reviews.
• Ensure manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions are developed and validated.
• Oversee pilot builds, first article inspections (FAI), and production trials.
• Ensure new products meet internal quality standards and customer/regulatory requirements.
• Leads and supports validation activities for processes, tooling, and equipment in accordance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement based on post-launch performance metrics.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities during product introduction and scale-up.
• Track and report key NPI metrics (on-time launch, yield, scrap, rework, cost).

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial or related field).
• 10+ years min experience in aerospace, medical, or a highly engineered product company.
• 5+ years of experience in NPI, Manufacturing engineering, or product launch roles.
• 2+ years of engineering leadership or project management experience.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards or other manufacturing quality frameworks.
• Experience with plastics, injection molding, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong technical understanding of plastic materials, mold design, and finishing processes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling and production ramp-up.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage production operations.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and product lifecycle management.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience in low-volume/high-mix production environments.
• Bilingual in English and Vietnamese preferred.
• Fast-paced shop/manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on leadership expected.
• May involve standing for long periods and working near machinery.

• This is a full-time position, typically Monday through Friday. While weekend work is rare, occasional weekend activity may be required based on business needs.