| Location | Wilmington, DE |
Position: NPI Quality Engineer
Location: Nashua, NH
POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented NPI Quality Engineer to serve as the primary advocate for quality from initial concept through mass production. This role acts as the "voice of the customer" within cross-functional teams, ensuring every new design is robust, compliant, and ready for a zero-defect launch. You will serve as a key liaison between our Nashua, NH site and our global manufacturing locations in Mexico, Vietnam, and China, ensuring seamless technical transfers and excellence in documentation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
NPI Quality Planning & Execution
Create and maintain Quality Plans, Control Plans, and Inspection Plans for new products
Perform and facilitate Design Reviews, DFMEA, and PFMEA activities
Develop and help execute Design Verification and Validation (DV/PV) plans, including test method development and statistical analysis
Lead FAI (First Article Inspection) submissions and approvals with customers and internal stakeholders
Supplier & Process Quality
Support supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing development for new components
Conduct supplier process audits and PPAP reviews
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering on process capability studies (Cp/Cpk, Gage R&R) and production line qualification
Risk Management & Problem Solving
Identify, assess, and mitigate quality risks throughout the product lifecycle
Lead root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.) for NPI issues
Capture and drive Lessons Learned and Best Practices into future programs
Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Ensure products meet applicable standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, AS9100, FDA, etc., depending on industry)
Support internal and external audits (customer, certification body, regulatory)
Champion continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, Six Sigma, Lean) within the NPI process
Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Ensure products meet applicable standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, AS9100, FDA, etc. - depending on industry)
Support internal and external audits (customer, certification body, regulatory)
Champion continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, Six Sigma, Lean) within the NPI process
Cross-functional Collaboration
Act as the primary quality interface with Design Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Customer teams
Participate in daily and weekly NPI program meetings and gate reviews
Present quality status and risks to leadership
Identify and facilitate initiatives related to cost improvement, quality enhancement, and product performance benchmarking
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15-25%
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's preferred)
4-8 years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
Minimum of 3 years of direct NPI / New Product Development quality experience
Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and GD&T
Experience with formal problem-solving methodologies (8D, DMAIC, A3)
Proficiency with statistical tools and software (Minitab, JMP, or equivalent)
Solid understanding of drawing interpretation and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and document control
Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and MES systems (Windchill, SAP, Teamcenter, etc.)
Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) preferred
Experience in regulated industries (Automotive, Medical Device, Aerospace, Electronics)
Knowledge of advanced quality tools (QFD, DOE, ORT, reliability testing, FTA)
Excellent communication skills, enabling collaboration with technical and non-technical personnel, including assembly process engineers across multiple regions