New Product Introduction Engineer The New Product Introduction, or NPI, Engineer leads new customer products from initial design and print review through prototype development and production launch. In this make-to-print manufacturing environment, customers own the product design, and the NPI Engineer is responsible for translating customer drawings, specifications, and CAD models into effective manufacturing processes. This role serves as the primary technical interface between customers and internal manufacturing teams. The engineer reviews prints for manufacturability, identifies technical or production risks, develops the documentation and processes needed to manufacture the product, and helps ensure that new products are delivered according to customer quality, schedule, and cost requirements. The ideal candidate has 1 to 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and hands-on knowledge of machining processes, engineering drawings, and manufacturing operations. Success in this position requires someone who is self-directed, accountable, detail-oriented, and comfortable communicating with customers and cross-functional partners.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the primary technical contact for customers throughout new product introduction activities.
Review customer engineering drawings, specifications, prints, and CAD models to understand design intent and manufacturing requirements.
Translate customer designs and prints into practical manufacturing processes.
Evaluate product designs for manufacturability and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, cost, and production readiness.
Identify missing, conflicting, or unclear technical requirements and work with customers and internal partners to resolve them.
Develop and maintain Bills of Material, or BOMs, and manufacturing process routings.
Create, complete, and maintain required NPI documentation and product launch paperwork.
Partner with manufacturing teams to plan, coordinate, and execute prototype and pre-production builds.
Troubleshoot technical and manufacturing issues encountered during prototype, pre-production, and launch activities.
Generate and revise engineering drawings using CAD software.
Interpret engineering drawings and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, or GD&T, requirements.
Perform First Article Inspections, or FAI, and coordinate customer documentation, submissions, feedback, and approvals.
Collaborate with Quality, Production, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and other internal teams to support successful product launches.
Provide technical support to manufacturing personnel regarding machining methods, tooling, equipment, and production processes.
Track project milestones, communicate risks, and provide timely status updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
Take ownership of assigned product launches, follow through on commitments, and escalate issues when additional support is needed.
Support continuous improvement efforts related to new product introduction and manufacturing processes.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
At least one year of experience in manufacturing engineering or a closely related engineering role.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, customer prints, and technical specifications.
Working knowledge of GD&T principles.
Experience using CAD software to create or modify engineering models and drawings.
Understanding of machining processes, including CNC turning, milling, drilling, grinding, and related manufacturing operations.
Strong mechanical aptitude and an understanding of how product design requirements translate into manufacturing processes.
Strong analytical, organizational, and technical problem-solving skills.
Ability to independently manage priorities, follow through on commitments, and maintain accountability for assigned work.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to customers and internal teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work onsite in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, five days per week.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Experience in precision machining, aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical device, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
Experience reviewing customer prints for manufacturability.
Experience developing and maintaining BOMs and manufacturing process routings.
Familiarity with First Article Inspection requirements and customer quality documentation.
Experience supporting prototype development, pre-production builds, or new product launches.
Experience working directly with customers on technical or manufacturing requirements.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Key Competencies:- Customer-focused mindset
- Print reading and technical interpretation
- Manufacturing process knowledge
- Technical problem-solving
- Self-direction and accountability
- Attention to detail
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Project ownership and organization
- Clear and proactive communication
- Continuous improvement orientation
- Work Environment
This position is part of a team of four engineers and works closely with customers and manufacturing personnel. The role is based onsite in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, five days per week and requires regular interaction with manufacturing operations.
The position is well suited for an engineer who enjoys moving between technical review, customer communication, documentation, problem-solving, and hands-on support of prototype and production activities.
