New Process Introduction (NPI) Engineer – Defense Search
OVERVIEW
Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting Defense/Aerospace company?! Then we've got the right team for you! In this role, you're responsible for the duties listed below.
Immediate opening for a New Process Introduction (NPI) Engineer in San Diego, CA who possesses:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field
- 3+ years of experience in process engineering or process development for electrical components
- Experience with space-grade or MIL-spec process qualification and traceability requirements
- Experience with structured quality and process methodologies (8D, DMAIC, FMEA, APQP)
FULL DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a New Process Introduction (NPI) Engineer with experience in electronic components and safety-critical devices to lead manufacturing process introduction for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) fuse products. This role is focused on process — not product R&D — ensuring that LEO fuse manufacturing processes are defined, validated, documented, and transitioned to production in a flight-ready, repeatable manner.
The selected candidate will be responsible for:
- Lead New Process Introduction (NPI) activities for LEO fuse electronic components from process freeze through first article inspection (FAI) and production readiness review (PRR)
- Define, develop, and validate manufacturing process flows, assembly work instructions, and quality control plans specific to fuse and safety-critical component handling requirements
- Drive process-focused Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) reviews in collaboration with NPD engineering and manufacturing teams
- Coordinate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure process capability, component traceability, and compliance with space-grade and safety standards
- Manage pilot builds, document process lessons learned, and implement continuous improvement actions to support production ramp
- Support process yield analysis and root cause investigations for NPI escapes or build anomalies
- Ensure process compliance with applicable safety, handling, and regulatory requirements for pyrotechnic and initiator-adjacent electronic components
- Track and resolve open process issues across cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain
- Maintain accurate NPI process documentation packages including BOMs, process travelers, and test records
The selected candidate will also possess:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field
- 3–6 years of experience in New Process Introduction (NPI) or manufacturing process engineering in a hardware or defense electronics environment
- Demonstrated focus on process development and introduction — not product R&D — including process validation, documentation, and production handoff
- Familiarity with electronic fuse, initiator, or safety-critical component manufacturing processes preferred
- Experience with space-grade or MIL-spec process qualification and traceability requirements
- Proficiency with ERP and PLM systems (SAP, Agile, Windchill, or similar)
- Strong project management, cross-functional coordination, and problem-solving skills
- Experience with structured quality and process methodologies (8D, DMAIC, FMEA, APQP) a plus
- Ability to obtain a US security clearance; active clearance preferred
- Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance requirements
Salary Range: $120,000 – 160,000/year
For immediate and confidential consideration, please email your resume to
aencarnacion@defensesearchusa.com
or call
858.427.3668.