NPI Manufacturing Engineer – Prototyping, Scale‑Up & Launch

About AMACO

Since 1919, American Art Clay Company (AMACO) has helped makers, educators, and artists bring ideas to life. From pioneering lead‑free glazes and electric kilns to establishing child-safe art standards as a founding member of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute, our fourth‑generation, family‑run team is united by a belief: creating art nurtures individuals and enriches communities. We champion continuous improvement, empowering every employee—from the factory floor to our offices—to innovate around safety, quality, customer care, teamwork, respect, and learning.

A Day in the Role

You’ll split your time roughly 70% on new product development and 30% on enhancing existing offerings. Mornings might find you on the floor building a proof‑of‑concept, validating a new fixture, or leading a pilot build. Afternoons could shift to collaborating with vendors, tightening tolerances in CAD, or finalizing a manufacturing plan that moves a concept to a stable, scalable process. Throughout, you’ll guide cross‑functional teams toward a clear Design Lock, then steer NPI through launch and ramp.

What You’ll Own

Prototype Development & Fabrication

• Hands‑on build of functional prototypes; design and assemble proof‑of‑concept and engineering models.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues; electrical troubleshooting preferred.
• Plan and execute tests, validation, and performance checks against requirements.

Mechanical/Product Engineering

• Create detailed drawings, specs, BOMs, and product documentation.
• Select materials/components and manufacturing routes; perform tolerance analysis and support reliability work.
• Apply DFM/DFA and serviceability principles; collaborate with suppliers to optimize cost, quality, and throughput.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Design and implement assembly methods, fabrication steps, inspection plans, and workflows.
• Specify jigs, fixtures, tooling, and equipment to stabilize builds and improve efficiency.
• Lead process validation and pilot builds to prove readiness for scale.

Launch & Scale

• Drive the transition from prototype to production; support NPI and ramp activities.
• Author work instructions, process docs, and quality standards; train operators on assembly, testing, and QA.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective actions during start‑up.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, and Production to align requirements and outcomes.
• Support supplier qualification, process audits, and continuous improvement.
• Own projects from concept through successful launch.

Skills You Bring

You're a creative problem‑solver with strong communication and organizational habits. You’re comfortable leading teams and vendors, and you rely on a solid base in math, statistics, and preferably physics/computer science. You’re fluent in CAD (SolidWorks or Fusion 360), Excel, MATLAB, and simulation tools, and you practice design optimization and project management to tackle complex production challenges.

Bonus Experience

• CNC machining (milling, turning, routers)
• Welding (manual/robotic; MIG, TIG) and fixture design
• Metrology, test plan creation, and gaging
• Sheet metal fabrication
• DC/BLDC motor control
• Fundamental electrical skills

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Expect periods of extended standing or sitting and work in both warm and cool conditions. Regular talking/hearing is required; frequent standing, walking, hand use, and reaching occur daily. At times you may sit, climb/balance, or stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl. You’ll frequently lift or move 50+ pounds. Vision needs include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Schedule, Travel, and Reporting

• Full‑time, Monday–Friday, typically 40+ hours; occasional evenings/weekends as needed.
• Minimal travel.
• Reports to: Engineering Manager.

Education & Experience

• Required: BS in Engineering or Technology (Industrial or Mechanical) from an accredited university.
• Preferred: 10+ years guiding products from design through market release.
• Preferred exposure to welding, fabrication, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, millwright work, controls, plumbing, and carpentry.

Notices and Statements

**Classification:

¨NBSP;

Exempt - Salary

***Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

*.

**EEO Statement:

AMACO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: AMACO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AMACO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location where we operate. AMACO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Other Information

Please note this description isn’t an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. Activities may change at any time with or without notice.