Project Manager - New Product Introduction

NEL Frequency Controls, powered by Abracon LLC Burlington, WI location

NEL Frequency Controls is a leading manufacturer of frequency control products, specializing in ultra-low phase noise crystal oscillators. Founded in 1986, NEL has established itself as a key player in the electronics industry, particularly in the military, aerospace, and high-tech sectors.

Job Type: Full Time, may work up to 50% remotely after 90 day Orientation period onsite

Job Summary

We are seeking an organized, proactive, and execution-focused Project Manager - NPI to lead new product introduction efforts from concept through full-scale production. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional project delivery, ensuring manufacturing readiness, coordinating engineering activities, and overseeing the successful launch of oscillator-based products.

The ideal candidate has strong experience managing technical projects, preferably within electronic components, precision timing products, or related manufacturing environments. This role emphasizes project ownership, communication, schedule control, and manufacturing transition-not hands-on design engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end NPI project execution, including planning, scheduling, cross-functional coordination, and risk management.
• Own project timelines, deliverables, milestone tracking, and communication across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Facilitate product transition from development to pilot builds and volume production.
• Coordinate prototype builds, first article reviews, verification/validation activities, and readiness gates.
• Ensure DFM/DFA considerations are integrated by engineering teams to support scalable, cost-effective manufacturing.
• Drive project issue resolution, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with supply chain and vendors to assess capability, lead times, and manufacturability.
• Oversee documentation requirements including BOMs, build instructions, ECOs, and release packages.
• Manage meeting structures such as daily/weekly standups, stage-gate reviews, and executive status updates.
• Continuously improve NPI processes, workflows, and cross-functional communication.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Operations, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience managing technical projects in electronics, manufacturing, or related industries.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles and NPI methodologies.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and delivering projects on schedule.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, supply chain coordination, and quality systems.
• Working knowledge of engineering documentation such as BOMs, drawings, ECOs, and build files.
• Excellent communication, organization, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, PLM/ERP systems).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, telecom, or other high-reliability industries.
• Exposure to oscillator, RF, or precision timing product environments (not required).
• Understanding of environmental/qualification testing processes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to play a key role in scaling and optimizing manufacturing operations
• Exposure to advanced, high-reliability products in aerospace, defense, and high-tech markets
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Come join our team!

Excellence through teamwork drives the company culture at NEL. We offer meaningful opportunities and resources for self-growth within a growing company. Become part of a great team where you matter! For more information about NEL, visit