At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the NPI Engineering team and drive product launches in electronic manufacturing.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping the future of advanced electronics.
- Benefits: Autonomy to influence strategy, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and engineering excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in NPI and expertise in electronic manufacturing processes.
Head of NPI Engineering
Lead Innovation. Drive Manufacturing Excellence.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of NPI Engineering to lead the end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) function within a fast-paced, high-mix electronic manufacturing environment. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the seamless transition of products from design through to full-scale production — delivering excellence in manufacturability, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery. As the technical lead for NPI, you will work closely with customers, design engineering, supply chain, quality, and manufacturing teams to drive successful product launches and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead, develop, and mentor the NPI Engineering team
- Define and implement NPI strategies aligned with business objectives and customer expectations
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and engineering excellence
New Product Introduction
- Own the complete NPI lifecycle from concept review through to production release
- Ensure robust DFM, DFT, and DFA principles are embedded throughout the process
- Lead project planning, resource allocation, and risk management across multiple NPI programmes
- Act as the escalation point for all NPI-related technical and operational issues
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary technical interface for customers during the NPI phase
- Collaborate with customers to optimise design, manufacturability, and cost efficiency
- Work cross-functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Account Management teams
Process & Production Readiness
- Ensure manufacturing processes, tooling, and test solutions are validated before production launch
- Oversee the creation and approval of work instructions, process documentation, and control plans
- Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) and production readiness reviews
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, customer, and industry standards, including IPC standards
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions during early production phases
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste
- Analyse key NPI metrics including time to market, yield, and cost performance
About You
- Proven leadership experience within NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, or Operations in the EMS/electronic manufacturing sector
- Strong expertise in PCB assembly, box build, and electronic systems integration
- Deep understanding of DFM, DFT, and DFA methodologies
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex programmes simultaneously
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working directly with customers in a technical or engineering capacity
Success in This Role Will Be Measured By
- On-time NPI delivery
- First pass and early production yield performance
- Time to production release
- NPI cost performance versus target
- Customer satisfaction throughout the NPI lifecycle
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of advanced electronic manufacturing within a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation. You’ll have the autonomy to drive improvements, influence strategy, and lead a high-performing engineering team delivering cutting-edge products to market.
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Head of NPI employer: LDI Search LTD.
LDI Search LTD. is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the fast-paced EMS sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we offer comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive while driving innovative product launches. Located in a vibrant area, our company provides unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of NPI
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like LDI Search LTD., apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of NPI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to LDI Search LTD. specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at LDI Search LTD.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with LDI Search LTD., brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like LDI Search LTD. value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
