NPD Engineer

About Vecmocon

Job Summary

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead NPD activities from product design and prototype development through pilot builds and mass production.
• Coordinate with R&D and hardware design teams to evaluate product feasibility and manufacturing requirements.
• Conduct DFM and DFA reviews to identify potential manufacturing and assembly challenges.
• Ensure smooth transfer of new products from development to production.
• Prepare NPD timelines, manufacturing readiness plans, and technical documentation.

• Develop and optimize SMT, PCBA, and box-build assembly processes.
• Define critical SMT process parameters, including solder paste selection, stencil design, component placement, and reflow profiles.
• Develop manufacturing processes for wave soldering, selective soldering, manual soldering, and final assembly.
• Troubleshoot SMT and PCBA defects, including solder bridging, tombstoning, insufficient solder, and component misalignment.
• Support production line setup, process validation, testing, and packaging requirements.

• Develop manufacturing process flowcharts, SOPs, work instructions, and process control plans.
• Design and develop jigs, fixtures, tooling, and ergonomic assembly solutions.
• Define equipment, manpower, material, and infrastructure requirements for production.
• Establish standard manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, and consistency.
• Maintain technical documentation for production and quality approvals.

• Coordinate prototype manufacturing, engineering builds, and pilot production.
• Conduct First Article Inspection (FAI) and support product and process validation.
• Identify and resolve technical issues during prototype and pilot production stages.
• Analyze manufacturing defects, process deviations, and production trial results.
• Ensure product readiness before handover to mass production.

• Collaborate with quality teams to ensure adherence to product quality and manufacturing standards.
• Support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive actions for production issues.
• Apply manufacturing quality tools such as FMEA, 8D, CAPA, and 5 Why Analysis.
• Identify opportunities for yield improvement, defect reduction, and process optimization.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through the 4M approach: Man, Machine, Material, and Method.
• Work with sourcing teams on component selection, alternate materials, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Optimize cycle time, process efficiency, equipment utilization, and production cost.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure project timelines, product quality, and production targets are achieved.

Required Skills & Technical Competencies

• 8–12 years of relevant experience in NPD, NPI, process engineering, or electronics manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on experience in SMT, PCBA manufacturing, and electronic product assembly.
• In-depth understanding of DFM, DFA, prototype development, pilot builds, and mass production.
• Knowledge of reflow soldering, wave soldering, selective soldering, stencil design, and SMT defect analysis.
• Experience in production line setup, process validation, jigs, fixtures, and tooling development.
• Familiarity with electronics testing processes, First Article Inspection, and manufacturing quality standards.
• Working knowledge of FMEA, CAPA, 8D, 5 Why, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with design, R&D, production, quality, and supply chain teams.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in EV electronics, automotive electronics, embedded hardware, or EMS manufacturing.
• Exposure to products such as Battery Management Systems (BMS), Vehicle Control Units (VCU), IoT devices, or automotive electronic controllers.
• Understanding of IPC standards and electronics manufacturing quality requirements.
• Experience handling new product launches and transitioning products into high-volume production.

Core Competencies

• Strong knowledge of electronics manufacturing, SMT, PCBA, and production processes.
• Understanding of NPD/NPI processes, DFM/DFA, prototyping, and production readiness.
• Technical troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Process improvement, quality management, and cost optimization.
• Project planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination.

Behavioural Competencies

• Ownership & Accountability: Takes responsibility for assigned projects and deliverables.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy, quality, and compliance with defined standards.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively with R&D, production, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities and technical challenges.
• Proactive Approach: Identifies potential issues early and takes corrective action.
• Result Orientation: Focuses on achieving project timelines, quality targets, and operational efficiency.