New Product Introduction (NPI) Manufacturing Engineer

New Product Introduction (NPI) Manufacturing Engineer

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Location: North Phoenix (101 & Cave Creek Rd)

Full time, on-site position

REQUIRED:  Due to the nature of this position and applicable export control regulations, candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.

Job Summary

The NPI Manufacturing Engineer leads the transition of new aerospace and precision-machined products from design through quoting, first article, and stable production. This role partners with Design Engineering, CNC Programmers, Quality, Supply Chain, and customers to develop robust, repeatable manufacturing processes that meet cost, quality, and delivery targets from the first build. The NPI Manufacturing Engineer applies Lean, Six Sigma, and ISO/AS9100 methodologies and delivers mature processes to production with complete documentation.  The NPI Manufacturing Engineer will also actively participate in ongoing Continuous Improvement efforts.

Key Responsibilities 

• Own the NPI process for assigned programs from RFQ and contract review through first article inspection (FAI) and production release, driving projects to committed schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and models during quoting and contract review; identify manufacturability risks, long-lead items, tooling needs, and process capability gaps.
• Support quoting by developing process routings, cycle-time and setup estimates, tooling and fixture requirements, and outside-processing plans.
• Develop detailed manufacturing process plans and routers for new products, including special processes (heat treat, nitride, anodize, plating, etc.).
• Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with Design Engineering, CNC Programmers, and customers, including design for cost, test, and assembly; recommend and document design changes.
• Design and release work-holding fixtures and tooling for machining, welding, and assembly operations; manage fixture build and validation.
• Plan and coordinate prototype, pilot, and first-article builds; troubleshoot issues on the floor with urgency to protect schedule.
• Support FAI per AS9102, including ballooned drawings, process documentation, and customer submittals, in partnership with Quality.
• Develop and apply risk-management tools such as PFMEA and control plans; support process validation and capability studies (e.g., Cpk) on key characteristics.
• Develop work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process workflows, and complete a structured handoff to Production and Operations.
• Create and maintain engineering models, assemblies, and detail drawings in SOLIDWORKS; apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Manage engineering change requests and revision control for new programs; maintain NPI project status, milestones, and risk logs, and communicate them to leadership and customers.
• Identify cost, yield, and cycle-time improvements on new programs and carry lessons learned into future NPI projects.
• Integrate Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and ISO/AS9100 methodology into NPI planning and daily work.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 3 years of related manufacturing engineering experience, including participation in new product introduction or new program launches.
• Hands-on 3D CAD experience required.
• Experience creating comprehensive process routers, manufacturing drawings, and process documentation for new parts.
• Working familiarity with CNC machining equipment (lathes, mills, multi-axis equipment, etc.).
• Working familiarity with ancillary metal processing (heat treat, nitride, anodize, plating, etc.).
• Working knowledge of first article inspection (AS9102), PFMEA, control plans, and process capability concepts.
• Ability to quickly and accurately interpret blueprints and associated technical specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and tight deadlines under pressure.
• Strong technical writing skills, particularly for operational instructions and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills, including customer-facing interaction.
• Regular, consistent, and punctual attendance is required.
• Due to the nature of this position and applicable export control regulations, candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience launching new products or programs in a job-shop or build-to-print environment.
• SOLIDWORKS experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with AS9100 quality systems and AS9102 FAI submittals.
• Experience working with or as a supplier to large aerospace manufacturers.
• Project management training or certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM) or equivalent experience.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt) or equivalent experience.
• Prior customer-facing experience with Honeywell, Woodward, Raytheon, or Northrop Grumman.

• Work is performed in both an office setting and an active manufacturing/shop floor environment.
• Exposure to machine shop conditions, including noise, moving equipment, and industrial materials; appropriate PPE required in designated areas.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of up to 15 lbs. 

Team oriented company with top paying wages and benefits in the valley in regards to the Aerospace Industry. To qualify for consideration, all candidates must be able to work 40+ hours per week in a fast paced, high-demand, quality environment. All candidates must also have sufficient verbal and written communication skills as well as good problem solving skills.

CMI Group is equal opportunity employer providing competitive wages and benefits. Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance available. 401(k) with company match.

CMI Group is a federal subcontractor and maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-493. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

This is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant due to age, race, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other protected classification. VEVRAA federal subcontractor. This company provides provide equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws including:

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended
• Age Discrimination Act of 1967 as Amended
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2009 (ADAAA)
• The Wagner-Peyser Act as Amended.
• The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq