Key Responsibilities:

1. End-to-End NPI Program Leadership:

- Lead complete NPI lifecycle: RFQ, design transfer, prototyping, EVT/DVT/PVT builds, pilot runs, and mass production ramp-up.

- Develop and manage integrated project plans, milestones, and risk registers.

- Serve as the primary customer interface during the NPI phase for domestic and international clients.

2. Automotive NPI (APQP / PPAP Focus):

- Drive APQP execution ensuring all phase-gate deliverables are completed on time.

- Lead PPAP submissions (Levels 15 as required) including documentation and customer approvals.

- Ensure execution of automotive core tools: DFMEA / PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC & MSA, Run@Rate and Safe Launch.

- Align with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements (CSRs).

3. Industrial Product NPI (Reliability & Compliance Focus):

- Ensure robust validation and qualification processes for long lifecycle industrial products.

- Drive reliability engineering including environmental and stress testing.

- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

4. Design Transfer & Manufacturability:

- Lead DFM/DFA/DFT reviews to ensure manufacturability and testability.

- Collaborate with design teams to optimize product architecture for cost, quality, and scalability.

- Ensure readiness of test strategies, fixtures, and automation.

5. Process Development & Validation:

- Develop manufacturing processes for SMT, PCB assembly, box build, and system integration.

- Define process flows, line balancing, tooling, and automation strategies.

- Execute process validation and capability studies to ensure stable production.

6. Supply Chain & Material Readiness:

- Ensure BOM readiness, sourcing strategy, and supplier onboarding.

- Drive alternate component qualification and obsolescence management.

- Collaborate with global supply chain teams to mitigate risks and ensure continuity.

7. Quality & Compliance in NPI:

- Ensure adherence to quality standards across all segments: Automotive (APQP, PPAP, IATF), Consumer (High yield), and Industrial (Reliability).

- Drive early defect detection and prevention using structured methodologies.

8. Risk Management & Problem Solving:

- Identify and mitigate risks across design, process, and supply chain.

- Lead structured problem-solving (8D, RCA, CAPA) during builds and ramp-up.

- Ensure rapid issue resolution to meet launch timelines.

9. Documentation & Change Management:

- Ensure complete documentation: BOM, drawings, process instructions, validation reports.

- Manage ECNs/ECOs and ensure controlled implementation across functions.

- Maintain traceability and revision control systems.

10. Production Ramp-Up & Handover:

- Drive smooth transition from NPI to operations with defined exit criteria.

- Achieve target KPIs: yield, cycle time, cost, and quality.

- Provide post-launch stabilization support.

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong expertise in automotive core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA).

- Deep understanding of electronics manufacturing (SMT, PCB assembly, system integration, testing).

- Ability to manage diverse product lifecycles (fast consumer vs. long industrial vs. regulated automotive).

- Strong project/program management and cross-functional leadership skills.

- Experience working with global customers and distributed teams.

- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

- Familiarity with PLM, ERP, MES, and digital manufacturing tools.

Qualifications:

- Bachelors/Masters degree in Electronics / Electrical / Mechanical Engineering.

- PMP / Program Management certification (preferred).

- Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt (preferred).

- IATF 16949 / Automotive Core Tools certification (highly desirable).

Experience:

- 1218+ years in ESDM / EMS / electronics manufacturing.

- Proven experience managing NPI programs across automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial domains.

- Strong exposure to global OEMs, Tier-1 customers, and export-oriented manufacturing.

- Experience in both high-mix low-volume and high-volume production environments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- On-time NPI launch and milestone adherence.

- PPAP approval cycle time and first-time acceptance rate.

- First Pass Yield (FPY) during pilot and ramp-up.

- Time-to-Market (TTM).

- Cost vs. target cost achievement.

- Engineering change turnaround time.

- Customer satisfaction and launch quality metrics.

What Success Looks Like:

- Flawless execution of NPI programs across multiple industry segments.

- Successful automotive launches with first-time PPAP approvals.

- Fast and efficient consumer product ramps with high yields.

- Highly reliable industrial product launches with minimal field issues.

- Strong cross-functional alignment and global customer satisfaction.