NPI Program Manager

Location:  Stockton, CA

Salary Range:  $120K - $155k

Employment Type:  Full-Time / Exempt

About Us:  Vander-Bend is a U.S.-based manufacturer dedicated to building the precision infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI. Our expertise in server racking and power delivery solutions provides the backbone for next-generation data centers, enabling hyperscalers and integrators to innovate and scale globally. With a focus on trusted, domestic manufacturing, we deliver quality, speed, and innovation at scale—redefining AI infrastructure for the future.

We are a rapidly growing division of Vantedge Medical, the premier metals-based med-tech solutions partner from concept to full-scale manufacturing. With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, we take immense pride in the work we do – and have a lot of fun doing it.

About the Role:  As an NPI Program Manager at Vantedge’s Vander-Bend Stockton CA location, you will have the opportunity to tackle a variety of challenges to ensure the NPI projects you manage are well planned and efficiently executed. You will be able to work with internal and external customers and resources while overseeing all aspects of projects. This is a great role to expand your existing project management and business knowledge as you will be involved from the initial quote process, including customer proposals, to the final production stabilization while launching products supporting the rapid growth of the data center market. Additional professional growth in this role comes from the possibility of having a limited number of direct reports. This allows for experience and training for future career progression. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, attention to detail, and willingness to be hands-on when required who wants to grow professionally with high internal expectations. This is a full-time on-site position located in Stockton CA.

Responsibilities:

• Ownership over projects to develop, launch, and transfer NPI products
• Effectively serve as the main project contact between the customer and Vander-Bend to ensure clear communication is maintained
• Provide appropriate project level direction to resources such as Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Programmers, Planning, Supervisors, Group Leaders and skilled labor on the shop floor
• Coordinate quotations, financial projections, ROI analyses, DFM analysis, planning and qualification through the Vander-Bend’s NPI transfer processes.
• Develop and coordinate efforts including project schedules, deliverables, and budgets with on-site and remote-site staff to ensure rapid deployment and delivery of projects
• Ensure alignment of human and equipment resources to be successful in delivering target results
• Develop schedules, identify critical paths, and ensure project milestones are met while removing roadblocks to support customer deliverables and internal business commitments
• Hold team members and functions accountable for timely execution of project results
• Proactively identify risks to project deliverables or timeframes; ensure partners are advised and engaged in risk-mitigation and resolution
• Provide clear and concise information and report to all levels of the project team and executive management as required
• Operate effectively in a dynamic environment, model leadership, and generate a positive team culture

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering or a technical field
• Minimum of 2 years of directly applicable experience in the successful coordination of new product introduction projects (Project Management)
• At least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience developing and executing project plans
• Working knowledge of GD&T
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Understanding of financials used for costing purposes
• Walking and standing for one hour at a time in a production environment
• Infrequent travel as needed for site visits, customer meetings, and industry events

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional certification
• Master of Business Administration
• Strong technical background in the metals manufacturing industry
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication, assembly, welding, powder coating, metal finishing, and electro-mechanical assembly strongly preferred
• Experience with quoting, cost analysis, and capital expenditure rational
• Smartsheet expertise is a plus
• Lean and Six Sigma experience
• May be required to lift up to 35 lb.

This position has a competitive Base plus Bonus compensation package plus Benefits:

• Medical – Dental – Vision – Life Insurance
• Vacation and Sick Pay
• 401k