Staff New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer

About the role

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Staff New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer to set the technical standard for how complex new products move from development into scalable production. This role is a senior individual contributor and technical authority across NPI, shaping product and manufacturing decisions early, defining production-readiness expectations, solving the most complex launch problems, and building repeatable practices that raise NPI capability across programs.

What You’ll Do

• Own NPI technical strategy and production-readiness standards for complex new products and major product introductions, from early architecture through stable production handoff.
• Serve as a senior technical authority for manufacturability, assembly, testability, process capability, and production scalability, influencing design decisions before design freeze.
• Define and enforce objective readiness criteria, technical gates, and evidence required to transition products from development into production.
• Lead the most complex prototype and pilot builds, using yield, defect, process, and build data to identify systemic risks and drive technical closure.
• Architect manufacturing approaches for new products, including process flows, tooling, fixtures, test strategies, documentation, and critical process controls.
• Drive resolution of high-impact cross-functional technical issues spanning Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and suppliers.
• Own launch-phase yield and process risk for critical programs through production stabilization, leading root-cause analysis and corrective action on systemic issues.
• Identify long-range production, supplier, capacity, and technology risks and shape mitigation strategies early in the product development lifecycle.
• Establish and improve NPI methods, metrics, documentation standards, and handoff practices that scale across products and programs.
• Mentor engineers and raise technical capability across the NPI and broader engineering organization through technical reviews, coaching, and reusable best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 9+ years of experience in NPI, manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or related hardware engineering roles, with significant ownership of complex product launches.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple complex hardware products from development through production ramp and stabilization.
• Deep expertise in DFM/DFA, manufacturing process development, engineering drawings, BOMs, configuration control, and production documentation.
• Advanced ability to use build, yield, defect, and process data to assess readiness, diagnose systemic issues, and make technical tradeoffs.
• Proven ability to define technical standards and influence product architecture, design decisions, and manufacturing strategy without direct authority.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical problem solving across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
• Strong technical leadership, communication, and mentoring skills with the ability to operate effectively across multiple programs and senior stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or another complex electromechanical hardware environment.
• Experience developing or scaling NPI frameworks, production-readiness gates, or manufacturing systems across multiple product lines.
• Experience with ERP, PLM, structured ECO/ECN processes, supplier industrialization, and production ramp in regulated or high-reliability environments.

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office and manufacturing equipment and to handle engineering hardware, tools, and components.
• Must be able to work safely in office, lab, and manufacturing environments.

Work Environment

This position operates in office, engineering lab, and manufacturing environments and requires regular cross-functional work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain. The role may involve exposure to production equipment, tools, machinery, noise, and non-climate-controlled areas and may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Occasional travel to supplier facilities, test sites, or other PDW locations may be required. This is a fast-paced work environment with both independent and team-based responsibilities and occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.