New Product Introduction Engineer - Manufacturing

Pioneer Metal Finishing is the leading surface engineering company in North America. For 75 years, we’ve delivered consistent, quality metal finishing solutions for mission-critical applications. Our advanced surface modification technologies and scalable execution improve the performance of mission-critical products and enhance brand value for companies in the healthcare, automotive, and industrial markets. We encourage you to learn more about opportunities with Pioneer Metal Finishing and join our team today!

The NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineer works closely with all departments to ensure process requirements are established, documented, optimized, and trained, to achieve customer expectations. This position will focus on hands-on coordinating, planning, and managing of the entire milestone process for selected NPI. This will include ownership from initial customer interactions, through process manufacturing, and closing with final QA and shipping. This position will be the technical subject matter expert for new accounts and special projects.

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities

- Coordinates strategies and planning with all departments for introducing and managing the manufacturing process for metal surface coatings of new product opportunities.

- Creates and manages detailed project plans and timelines for new-product surface coating processing.

- Participate in customer meetings (kick-off, technical reviews, etc.) with Sales and Engineering, as required.

- Collaborates with Sales and Engineering at the internal front-end review and planning of NPI.

- Sets up and enters all applicable data into the company’s ERP system (MS D365) to develop a 1st Article workstream.

- Works closely with Sales to evaluate process and tooling requirements for NPI during the initial quoting phase.

- Assists with quotes in correlation with the 1st Article ERP setup, as required.

- Provides engineering support for various stages of manufacturing operations.

- Identifies and resolves NPI project delays and setbacks with collaborative communication with other departments.

- Monitors and reports on NPI project progress to other managers and support teams.

- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials, components and services associated with NPI projects.

- Develops and maintains associated documentation and data reports associated with NPI integration.

- Supports Engineering and Quality with root-cause analysis and problem-solving activities.

- Prepares and manages proper handoff of NPI to Operations/Production.

- Collaborates with all departments to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

- Participate in the corrective action process.

- Participate in dispositioning NCR reports and developing contingency plans for NPI bottlenecks.

- Supports team for compliance with all safety policies and procedures and active involvement in proactive safety measures.

- Incorporates self-opportunities for maintaining up-to-date knowledge of surface coating technologies and best practices.

- Designs and procures fixtures as needed to support NPI.

- Reviews job travelers to correct errors, streamline, and ensure accuracy for proper processing, inspection, and spec flow down requirements.

Physical/Environmental/Chemical Hazards

- Sharp parts, sharp tooling, heavy carts, occasional hot and cold temperature and humidity levels, heat from ovens, moderate noise levels, limited hand and air tool use, compressed air (must use hearing protection).

- Must be able to lift 30-50 lbs. unassisted.

- Quick-pace multi-tasking expectations.

- Potential chemical splash exposure near process lines.

- Various chemicals used in process.

Education/Qualifications

- BS Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent work experience is required. 2-5 years experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.

- Strong technical background in a related technical field and practice is preferred.

- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

- Knowledge of basic quality standards (ISO 9001) and regulatory requirements is preferred.

- Experience with new product introduction and/or product management skills is preferred.

- Some knowledge of chemistry a plus.

*We offer the following benefits to Salaried Employees immediately upon hire*

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Eligibility begins on day one)

- Company Funded Health Reimbursement or Health Savings Account up to $3,000

- 401(k) plan participation

- Annual Incentive Program based on business results

- Company-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance

- Tuition Reimbursement, Career Growth, and Advancement Opportunities

- Flexible Spending Accounts

- Short & Long-Term Disability

- Additional benefits for employee purchase life insurance, critical illness, voluntary accident, and accidental death & dismemberment

- LiveHealth Online, virtual doctor visits

- Employee Assistance Program

- Paid company holidays

- Competitive Paid Time Off program

- Next-Day Pay Don’t wait for payday; access your daily pay the next day!

- Employee Recognition and Rewards program

- Fun Recognition Events and more!