NPI Engineer

About the Role:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field).
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or new product introduction within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and product lifecycle management.
• Proficiency with CAD software and manufacturing process simulation tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a team environment.
• Bilingual in English and Japanese. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and data analysis tools.
• Project management certification or experience managing complex product introduction projects.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to manufacturing.
• Advanced degree in Engineering or related discipline.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from design release through pilot builds, production ramp‑up, and mass production, ensuring adherence to defined timelines, quality standards, and cost targets
• Collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes for new products
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between SSW, Japan‑based customers, suppliers, and internal cross‑functional teams, facilitating clear communication in Japanese and English
• Analyze product designs to ensure design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM/DFA), recommending and driving design changes to improve production efficiency, quality, and yield
• Create, maintain, and review detailed process documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, routings, FMEAs, and control plans
• Plan, lead, and execute prototype builds, pilot builds, and production trials, identifying manufacturing risks and resolving issues prior to full‑scale production
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure component readiness, quality compliance, and on‑time delivery in support of new product launches
• Support supplier qualification and performance monitoring, including audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Monitor and analyze production metrics (yield, scrap, cycle time, cost, and throughput) and implement improvements to optimize performance and reduce cost
• Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action activities for issues identified during the NPI phase and early production
• Partner with Quality Engineering to support PPAP, validation testing, SPC, and change management (ECO/ECN) activities
• Manage project schedules, assess risks, and communicate NPI status, issues, and mitigation plans to internal leadership and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely product introduction

Competencies & Attributes:

• Strong technical communication and documentation skills
• Cultural awareness and ability to operate effectively in a bicultural business environment
• Proven problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis capabilities
• High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail
• Ability to influence without authority across organizations and time zones

Why Join SSW Advanced Technologies, LLC:

• Work with cutting‑edge products and global customers
• Fully remote role with international exposure
• Collaborative, growth‑oriented engineering culture
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

Skills:

The NPI Engineer utilizes technical skills such as CAD and process simulation daily to evaluate and optimize product designs for manufacturability. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential for identifying production bottlenecks and implementing effective solutions. Communication and collaboration skills are critical as the role requires working closely with cross-functional teams including design, quality, and suppliers to ensure alignment and successful product launches. Project management skills help the engineer to manage timelines, resources, and risks associated with new product introductions. Additionally, knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma supports ongoing process enhancements and cost reductions throughout the product lifecycle.