NPI Engineer
Job Purpose:
Responsible for supporting and managing New Product Introduction (NPI) activities to ensure successful product launches and robust manufacturing processes. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, Suppliers and Customers to ensure new products are introduced effectively, meeting quality, cost, delivery and customer requirements.
The NPI Engineer will support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP/PSW) submissions, process validation and continuous improvement initiatives whilst ensuring compliance with customer-specific and internal quality requirements. The role requires strong technical and analytical capability, supporting risk reduction and acting as a key voice within program introductions to ensure zero-failure launch readiness.
Key Areas of Responsibility, Duties and Deliverables Expected:
Responsibilities:
Receipt, review and action of customer, engineering and program requirements for New Product Introduction activities.
Supporting the introduction of new products from concept through to series production, ensuring program deliverables are achieved within agreed timing plans.
Leading and supporting APQP activities to ensure robust product and process development.
Supporting and coordinating PPAP / PSW (Part Submission Warrant) and Note Submission packs, ensuring submissions are accurate, complete and delivered on time.
Escalating risks, delays or launch concerns to management where appropriate to ensure successful program delivery.
Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics and external suppliers to support launch readiness and production robustness.
Supporting product and process validation activities to ensure products are manufactured to customer and internal specifications.
Participating in the development, review and refinement of Process and Design FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to minimise manufacturing and quality risks.
Supporting the creation, implementation and maintenance of Control Plans and associated quality documentation.
Managing customer-specific requirements and providing technical support to internal teams where required.
Supporting root cause investigations and implementation of permanent corrective actions for product or process quality issues.
Working with internal and external stakeholders to resolve quality concerns quickly and efficiently to prevent disruption to production, quality or customer satisfaction.
Supporting product, process and layered audits to ensure compliance with internal standards and customer requirements.
Ensuring compliance with Quality Management Systems including IATF16949 and ISO9001 requirements.
Supporting first-off sample approvals and production validation activities.
Promoting and supporting customer preferred continuous improvement methodologies including Six Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Lean manufacturing principles.
Monitoring, reporting and analysing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relating to product quality, launch performance and process effectiveness.
Supporting customer concern investigations and effectiveness reviews to ensure issues are permanently resolved.
Supporting and leading process improvement activities to improve efficiency, reduce variation, minimise waste and improve product quality.
Writing reports, presenting progress updates and communicating launch status, risks and actions during internal and customer project meetings.
Planning projects, actions and subtasks to ensure progress can be tracked effectively and deliverables are achieved.
Attending customer, supplier and internal meetings, communicating instructions and actions effectively across functions.
Supporting relationship management activities with customers, suppliers and service providers to ensure positive working partnerships.
Communicating effectively throughout the shop floor and across all levels of management.
Maintaining accurate and comprehensive documentation and records relating to NPI activities and customer requirements.
Being aware of manufacturing, engineering and technical constraints at all times and supporting solutions to minimise launch risks.
Being aware of all activities currently being progressed within the department and supporting colleagues where required.
General Responsibilities & Duties:
Behave in a courteous, respectful and professional manner towards members of staff, managers, customers and visitors.
Encourage good communication and working relationships across the business.
Share job knowledge and skills and support other team members with workload requirements.
Keep your Manager informed of any issues and take a proactive approach to problem solving.
Suggest ways to improve quality, productivity and the work environment.
Complete training and development to increase professional competence.
Support quality awareness and promote continuous improvement culture across the business.
Comply with company policy, quality procedures and the Health and Safety Act at all times.
Personal Attributes:
Confident and proactive approach.
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
Highly focused and self-motivated.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to work under pressure and react positively to changing priorities.
Strong organisational and project management skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Positive attitude towards colleagues and teamwork.
Strong customer focus and understanding of customer requirements.
Ability to influence and motivate others.
Ability to work within a diverse and dynamic environment.
Strong attention to detail and documentation control.
Good timekeeping and attendance.
Required Education, Skills, Training and Experience:
Skills
Essential:
Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
Strong knowledge of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP / PSW / Note Submission).
Experience with core quality tools including FMEA, Control Plans, MSA and Root Cause Analysis.
Strong understanding of IATF16949 and ISO9001 Quality Management Systems.
Good understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) principles.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to identify risks and implement robust corrective actions.
Good report writing and presentation skills.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
Strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes.
Understanding of customer-specific requirements.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable:
Lead Auditor qualification or audit experience.
Knowledge of VDA standards.
Knowledge of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and Poka-Yoke methodologies.
Experience with moulding, assembly or aesthetic paint manufacturing environments.
Experience working with OEM customers such as JLR and VW Group.
DipQ, HNC or equivalent engineering / quality qualification.
Experience
Essential:
Experience within an NPI, APQP or Quality Engineering role.
Experience within a Tier 1 automotive or manufacturing environment.
Experience supporting new product introduction and launch activities.
Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality teams.
Experience of customer-facing project activities.
Experience of product and process auditing.
Experience managing product quality concerns and implementing corrective actions.
Desirable:
Previous experience at Quality Engineer / Senior Quality Engineer level.
Experience of multiple OEM customer requirements.
Experience leading audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
Health & Safety Responsibilities:
Set a good example of safe behaviour, particularly to new entrants and young persons.
Work in a safe manner and observe site Health and Safety rules and procedures.
Do not misuse or interfere with anything provided to ensure the Health and Safety of themselves and others.
Correctly use the protective clothing and equipment provided.
Report any safety concerns promptly to their Supervisor and take action to prevent injury if it is safe to do so.
Report all injuries that occur at work and obtain the necessary first aid treatment.
Help in the investigation of accidents to prevent recurrence.
Additional Information:
This job description reflects the general nature and level of work assigned to the role. It does not restrict management’s right to reassign duties, responsibilities or location at any time based on business needs if the work is similar, related or a logical reassignment for the position. The company will, where possible, take into account your personal circumstances.
