At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional teams to transition innovative products from concept to full-scale manufacturing.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and manufacturing organisation at the forefront of advanced technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and relocation support available.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and working on technically challenging programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-impact leadership role within a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPI within regulated manufacturing; degree in relevant engineering discipline.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 41000 £ per year.
Frontier Resourcing is delighted to be partnering with a leading engineering and manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineering Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative business in a high-impact leadership role, driving the successful transition of cutting-edge electronic products from R&D through to full-scale manufacturing. Due to the nature of work and industry, candidates will be required to be eligible for SC Clearance.
Working at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, you'll lead cross-functional teams, shape manufacturing strategy, and play a pivotal role in delivering complex products within a highly regulated environment.
The Role: As the Senior NPI Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for leading the industrialisation of new products, ensuring a smooth transition from concept through to production while meeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers, taking products from RFQ and concept through to full production handover.
- Manage products through formal stage-gate processes, including AS9145/APQP methodologies.
- Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Design for Testability (DfT), and Design for Cost (DfC) principles.
- Drive Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and oversee Production Readiness Reviews.
- Conduct PFMEA, FMEA, and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities to identify and mitigate manufacturing risks.
- Collaborate closely with Procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability.
- Develop manufacturing plans, tooling strategies, work instructions, and production processes.
- Establish and manage project baselines covering cost, schedule, quality, and scope, providing regular updates to senior stakeholders.
- Chair NPI Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews.
- Coordinate activities across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Programme Management to ensure successful product launches.
About you: We're looking for an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in new product introduction within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. You'll ideally have:
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing, or a related Engineering discipline.
- Significant experience within manufacturing, including at least 2–3 years in a leadership or management role.
- Excellent understanding of electronics manufacturing, including PCBA, SMT, CCA, and microelectronics assembly.
- Experience using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and PLM software.
- Strong knowledge of PFMEA, RCCA, automated test equipment (ATE), and quality improvement techniques.
- The ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation.
- Experience with advanced manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, automation, welding, heat treatment, or electronics assembly.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or PMP and associated planning tools including MS Project or Smartsheet.
- Ideally you'll have experience within Aerospace, Defence, Space, or another highly regulated industry, with an understanding of AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), J-STD-001, and associated quality standards.
- The ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC) or equivalent.
What's on offer: Our client is offering an excellent salary and comprehensive benefits package, together with the opportunity to work on technically challenging programmes within a growing and innovative organisation. Relocation support is available, and applications are welcomed from candidates looking to relocate for the right opportunity.
If you're an experienced NPI Engineering Manager looking to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Frontier Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Senior Engineering Manager (NPI) in Surrey employer: Frontier Resourcing Ltd
As a leading employer in the manufacturing technology sector, we offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects within a highly regulated industry. Located in the UK, our team enjoys a supportive culture that values security, compliance, and excellence, making it an ideal place for Solution Architects looking to make a meaningful contribution to business transformation.
