Job at a glance
Job Title: Project Manager / Project Engineer Job Description This role combines project management and project engineering responsibilities to lead new product introduction (NPI) and new product development (NPD) initiatives within a manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on mechanical and manufacturing engineering. The position drives product design, manufacturing process development, documentation, and continuous improvement activities to ensure high-quality, manufacturable products are successfully launched and supported through their NPI phase.
Responsibilities Verify that all materials, documents, plans, and procedures are accurate and complete to launch New Product Introduction (NPI) documentation, including schematics, bills of material, and prints. Provide inputs and direction for the bidding process, including labor estimates and other technical considerations that impact project scope and cost. Assist with and provide input into business development strategies to enable product line growth and support strategic expansion of offerings.
Follow all ISO quality systems and procedures and initiate new documentation or updates to existing documentation as needed to maintain compliance. Ensure ongoing compliance with ISO quality systems and procedures across assigned projects and related engineering activities. Develop and implement manufacturing processes and documentation, including training materials and specifications, to support successful new product introduction.
Design fully functioning products and lead collaboration with key internal and external customers, contractors, and development firms throughout the design process. Conduct Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/A) exercises to improve product design, enhance manufacturability, and reduce production complexity. Lead full product development efforts, including mechanical and manufacturing aspects, leveraging appropriate support staff to meet technical and project objectives.
Provide indirect supervisory guidance to support staff and outside design contractors as required, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and quality standards. Initiate, facilitate, and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to manage design and process changes effectively. Provide engineering support to manufacturing operations during the NPI phase, which may include generating and executing qualification and validation plans and reports.
Install and test new equipment as part of NPI activities, ensuring proper operation, integration, and documentation. Collaborate with internal and external customers to resolve technical and process issues that arise during the NPI phase, maintaining clear communication and timely resolution. Develop and implement continuous improvement activities based on Lean, Six Sigma, and FOCUS methodologies to optimize product design, processes, and manufacturing flow.
Support NPD, NPI, Quality, and Manufacturing Engineers by contributing to effective and efficient manufacturing plans, including work instructions and qualification and validation protocols and plans. Essential Skills Minimum of 5 years of experience in Project Engineering and/or Manufacturing Engineering. Strong project management capabilities, including planning, estimating, and coordinating cross-functional activities.
Hands-on experience with mechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering in a product development environment. Proven ability to support New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives. Experience developing effective and efficient manufacturing plans, including detailed work instructions. Ability to create and execute qualification and validation protocols and plans for products and equipment.
Demonstrated capability to design fully functioning products from concept through manufacturing readiness. Knowledge and application of ISO quality systems and procedures within engineering and manufacturing operations. Experien