New Process Introduction (NPI) Engineer - Defense Search

TalentZok

San Diego, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$120,000–$160,000 Per Year
SKILLS
8D, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Aerospace and Defense, Agile Programming Methodologies, Bill of Materials (BOM), Continuous Improvement, Contract Manufacturing, Cross-Functional, DFT (Design for Test), Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Electrical Components, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Industrial Engineering, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Pilot Manager, Problem Solving Skills, Process Analysis, Process Capability, Process Development, Process Engineering, Process Flow, Process Validation, Product/Service Launch, Production Support, Project/Program Management, Pyrotechnics, Quality Control, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Research & Development (R&D), Root Cause Analysis, SAP PLM, Safety Compliance, Safety Standards, Security Clearance, Six Sigma DMAIC, Supply Chain, Traceability, Validation Documentation, Windchill PLM Software
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
POSTED
15 days ago
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)
 
Email resumes to aencarnacion@defensesearchusa.com and call 858.427.3668
  
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.
More information can be found at www.defensesearchusa.com


About the Company

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TalentZok