Direct report to NPI Manager. The New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer will oversee the process of integrating new products into manufacturing, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and timeline objectives. This role involves close collaboration with product design, marketing, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. The ideal candidate requires to have a strong background in engineering, manufacturing processes, and project management.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
NPI Process Management :
Manage the end-to-end process of introducing new products into production, from initial concept to full-scale manufacturing.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) :
Work with design engineers to ensure new products are designed with manufacturability and assembly in mind.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams :
Coordinate with marketing, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth product transitions.
Prototype Development and Testing :
Oversee the development of prototypes, conduct testing, and analyse results to ensure product viability.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation :
Identify potential risks in the NPI process and implement strategies to mitigate them.
Quality Assurance :
Ensure that new products meet quality standards and regulatory requirements before product transition to the manufacturing team.
Documentation and Training :
Create and maintain comprehensive NPI documentation and provide training to manufacturing teams.
Continuous Improvement :
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the NPI process and reduce time-to-market.
Qualifications for a New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer position in a manufacturing company in Malaysia typically include a combination of education, skills, and experience. Here's a breakdown of the qualifications often sought after for this role :
Education :
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field) or a degree in Manufacturing Technology, Product Design, or a relevant discipline.
- Advanced degrees such as a Master's in Engineering or Business Administration (MBA) can be advantageous, particularly for leadership roles.
Technical Skills :
Proficiency in product design principles, manufacturing processes, and engineering fundamentals.Familiarity with CAD / CAM software tools for design and modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), as well as other engineering software and simulation tools.Knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory requirements, and industry standards relevant to the manufacturing sector.Project Management Skills :
Strong project management skills to plan, execute, and monitor NPI projects, including establishing project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.Experience with project management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, or Stage-Gate process.Process Development Expertise :
Experience in developing manufacturing processes, assembly procedures, and test methods for new products.Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles and techniques to optimize product designs for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance :
Understanding of quality management principles, quality control methods, and statistical process control (SPC) techniques.Familiarity with regulatory requirements and standards applicable to the manufacturing industry, such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or industry-specific regulations (e.g., automotive, aerospace).Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities :
Strong analytical skills to analyze data, identify trends, and draw actionable insights to address technical challenges and process improvements.Problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot issues, resolve conflicts, and implement effective solutions during the NPI process.Communication and Interpersonal Skills :
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, customers, and stakeholders.Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with colleagues, build relationships, and influence decision-making in a multicultural environment.Experience :
Previous experience in NPI engineering roles within a manufacturing environment is highly desirable.Experience with product development, prototype fabrication, pilot production, and full-scale manufacturing ramp-up processes.Familiarity with stage-gate processes, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and phase-gate methodologies.Leadership and Teamwork :
Leadership qualities to lead cross-functional teams, facilitate problem-solving sessions, and drive consensus on NPI initiatives.Ability to work effectively in a team environment, motivate team members, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.Continuous Learning and Development :
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in NPI engineering.