New Product Introduction Engineer

DIRECT HIRE: The NPI Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, optimizing, and maintaining CNC manufacturing processes that support new product introductions (NPI). This role focuses on improving production efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring processes meet engineering specifications and customer requirements.
Working closely with design engineers, quality teams, machinists, and setup personnel, the engineer provides technical support throughout the manufacturing process, from initial product development and process planning through production launch and continuous improvement.
Location: Windsor, CT.
Salary Range: $100K - $110K (depending on experience)
Benefits: Listed at bottom

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement efficient CNC machining processes, including tooling strategies, fixture design, and programming for multi-axis CNC equipment.
• Create, verify, and optimize CNC programs using CAD/CAM software to meet engineering specifications, dimensional requirements, and quality standards.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce cycle times, minimize waste, and lower production costs.
• Collaborate with design engineers to evaluate product manufacturability and provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) recommendations during the product development phase.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts and root-cause investigations involving machining, programming, tooling, and process-related issues; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate and recommend CNC machinery, tooling, equipment, and manufacturing technologies to support new product introductions and production requirements.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, setup sheets, process plans, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to machinists, machine operators, setup personnel, and other manufacturing team members.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, Six Sigma, and Kaizen projects.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and customer-specific requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in CNC machining and manufacturing or process engineering.
• Extensive hands-on experience with CNC programming, machine setup, and operation, including probing and macro programming.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM platforms such as SolidWorks, Esprit, and Siemens NX, along with CNC simulation and verification software such as Vericut.
• Strong understanding of multi-axis CNC machining, including 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling machines and multi-axis mill-turn lathes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing standards in accordance with customer requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), blueprint interpretation, and ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Extensive experience using common metrology equipment and precision measurement systems.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and root-cause problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, quality, and production departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, preferably Epicor.
• U.S. citizenship.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with 5% company match
• Employee assistance program
• Disability insurance
• Paid holidays