Principal NPI Engineer

Company Overview

Our client is an innovative US technology company developing next-generation AI-powered consumer devices that combine advanced hardware, intelligent software, and natural human-computer interaction. 

Founded by experienced technology leaders with backgrounds in leading global technology companies, the team is building a new generation of connected devices centered around AI and voice interaction. 

 

As the company prepares to scale its hardware products, it is strengthening its manufacturing engineering capabilities across Asia.

Job Summary

The Principal NPI Engineer will lead the transition of innovative consumer hardware products from early prototypes through high-volume manufacturing. 

This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused on NPI, manufacturing automation, FATP, tooling development, DFM/DFA, process validation, and production ramp-up. 

You will work closely with global R&D teams, Asian Contract Manufacturers, and manufacturing integrators to develop scalable manufacturing solutions while achieving quality, cost, capacity, and delivery targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI programs from prototype development through EVT, DVT, PVT, and mass production, ensuring manufacturing readiness and successful production ramp-up. 

• Own FATP manufacturing readiness, including production-line planning, assembly processes, test integration, automation, and tooling requirements. 

• Work with Contract Manufacturers and automation integrators to develop, implement, and validate manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and automated assembly solutions. 

• Drive DFM, DFA, and DFX improvements with R&D teams to optimize product design, manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and production cost. 

• Establish and monitor manufacturing KPIs including UPH, cycle time, throughput, yield, OEE, SPC, and Cpk. 

• Lead tolerance analysis, GD&T reviews, manufacturing validation, and process capability improvements. 

• Manage manufacturing engineering deliverables, vendor schedules, tooling budgets, technical transfers, and production milestones. 

• Collaborate with global engineering, supply chain, operations, and quality teams to resolve complex manufacturing issues and ensure successful product launches. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline. 

• 10+ years of experience in NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, Hardware Program Management, or Consumer Electronics Manufacturing. 

• Proven experience taking hardware products from concept or prototype through high-volume manufacturing. 

• Strong experience with FATP (Final Assembly, Test & Pack) manufacturing processes. 

• Hands-on experience developing manufacturing automation, production fixtures, and specialized tooling. 

• Experience working directly with Asian Contract Manufacturers, ODMs, or manufacturing integrators. 

• Strong understanding of EVT / DVT / PVT development and manufacturing phase-gate processes. 

• Proficiency in DFM, DFA, DFX, GD&T, and statistical tolerance analysis. 

• Experience with SPC, Cpk, yield improvement, capacity modeling, cycle time, UPH, and OEE. 

• Strong understanding of Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt certification or equivalent capability. 

• Strong cross-functional communication, technical problem-solving, and project execution skills. 

• Willingness to spend approximately 40–50% of working time on-site at manufacturing partners. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in consumer electronics manufacturing or advanced hardware NPI. 

• Experience developing and manufacturing compact, high-complexity consumer electronics devices. 

• Experience leading manufacturing engineering programs from initial production strategy through mass production. 

• Strong expertise in automation architecture, fixture development, and manufacturing process optimization. 

• Experience working with Asian ODM / EMS manufacturing ecosystems. 

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Toyota Production System methodologies. 

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification. 

• Experience with manufacturing quality systems, production traceability, genealogy, and statistical process monitoring. 

• Experience coordinating global R&D teams and Asia-based manufacturing operations. 

Post Time｜2026/11/12