NPI Engineer

Description

About Us:

At Tomball Controls, we specialize in manufacturing custom fuel tanks, custom sound attenuated enclosures, and access platforms for emergency power generators.

We are proud to serve clients across various industries, providing them with high-quality power packaging solutions to meet their specific requirements. With years of experience among our team members and a commitment to excellence, we have built a reputation for delivering reliable, durable products on time and within budget.

Job Description:

The NPI Engineer leads the industrialization and launch of new metal-mechanical products, with emphasis on datacenter enclosures and assemblies. Acting as the technical link between Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management, this role ensures products are manufacturable, cost-effective, compliant, and delivered on schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from concept freeze through pilot, ramp-up, and full-scale production.
• Define and execute NPI phase-gate deliverables, including Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA), process readiness, costs targets, and risk assessments. 
• Review enclosure designs- such as sheet metal components, frames, doors, panels, and weldments- for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and serviceability. 
• Drive design improvements to optimize fabrication processes, including laser cutting, punching, bending, welding, machining and fastening. 
• Validate manufacturing processes through first article inspections (FAI), capability studies, and pilot build data analysis.
• Serve as the primary NPI manufacturing liaison with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Operations teams.
• Support program schedules and ensure manufacturing readiness aligns with customer delivery commitments.
• Execute formal handoff of products and processes to Manufacturing and Operations teams.
• Capture lessons learned during NPI and standardize best practices for future programs.

 Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering, or (equivalent).
• 5+ years of experience in New Product Introduction (NPI), Manufacturing Engineering, or Process Engineering within a metal-mechanical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects or workstreams within a structured NPI or product development framework. 
• Hands-on experience with datacenter infrastructure products, including enclosures and electrical or mechanical housings.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks/PDM/AutoCAD).
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and PLM tools.
• Lean manufacturing and problem-solving certifications (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering production, and leadership teams.
• Formal project management training or certification (PMP, CAPM, or equivalent) is a strong plus.
• Ability to drive change and lead cross-functional teams.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and committed to safety.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout production facilities. 
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds as needed. 
• Frequent exposure to outdoor elements.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled Tomball Controls is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Tomball Controls is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.