Senior NPI Manager

Job Title

Senior New Product Introduction Manager

Duration

Permanent

Hours

Full Time (37 hours per week)

Location(s)

Fife

Security Clearance Requirements

Baseline. – Must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Why join

The client is a powerhouse in defence and aerospace, where innovation meets impact. As a key partner to the UK government and global customers, we tackle the toughest challenges across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Beyond cutting-edge defence solutions, we lead the way in digital training transformation for both military and commercial clients. You will work with pioneering technology, collaborate with top industry experts, and be part of a dynamic team that fuels your growth. Whether youre looking to push boundaries, develop your skills, or make a real-world impact, your future starts here.

We are looking for an NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineering Manager for a high-impact leadership role responsible for bridging the gap between R&D and full-scale manufacturing. The following specification outlines the core responsibilities, qualifications, and technical skills required for this position based on current industry standards.

What You Will Do

Strategic Leadership

Direct a cross-functional team of manufacturing and process engineers to design and industrialise new electronic products, from initial design concept (RFQ) through to full production handover.

Lifecycle Management

Lead products through formal stage-gate processes (e.g., AS9145, APQP) from initial bid and concept to production handover.

Design for Excellence (Df

X)

Champion Design for Manufacturability (DfM), Testability (DfT), and Cost (DfC) to ensure designs are robust and cost-effective.

Risk Mitigation

Manage Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) and conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify and resolve production risks early.

Supply Chain Integration

Collaborate with procurement and external suppliers to ensure component availability and manufacturing capability.

Risk Mitigation

Proactively identify and resolve technical or supply chain risks using PFMEA and root-cause analysis (RCCA).

Technical Reporting

Establish project baselines for cost, schedule, and quality, providing regular updates to senior leadership and customers.

Cost & Schedule Control

Establish and monitor project baselines for cost, schedule, and scope, frequently reporting progress to senior stakeholders.

Process Development

Drive the creation of manufacturing plans, work instructions, tooling, and fixture requirements.

Cross-Functional Coordination

Align diverse departments—including R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations—to achieve successful launch goals.

Manufacturing Readiness

Oversee Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and maturation plans to ensure production lines are capable and stable.

Gate Review Management

Chair and manage NPI Gate processes, Design Gate reviews, and Production Readiness Reviews.

Qualifications You Must Have

Education

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Manufacturing Engineering.

Experience

Significant experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or management capacity.

Sector Expertise

Proven track record in a highly regulated environment, such as Aerospace (AS9100/9102), Defence, or Space.

Standards Knowledge

Expertise in industry-specific standards such as AS9100, AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), and J-STD-001.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain national security vetting (e.g., UK SC or US Secret clearance) is often mandatory.

Project Management

Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and methodologies (PMP or PRINCE2 certification is highly desirable).

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain national security clearance (e.g., SC or Secret clearance) is a standard requirement for defence-related roles.

Electronics Expertise

Deep understanding of PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly), SMT (Surface Mount Technology), and microelectronics assembly processes.

Methodologies

Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management frameworks such as PRINCE2 or PMP.

Systems Proficiency

Skilled in using ERP/MRP tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and PLM software for configuration control and BOM management.

Testing & Quality

Deep understanding of PFMEA, Root Cause Analysis (RCCA), and automated test equipment (ATE) for electro-mechanical systems.

Analytical Ability

Strong data-driven decision-making skills to optimise cycle times and reduce unit production costs.

Design for Excellence (Df

X)

Deep understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DfM) and Design to Unit Production Cost (DTUPC).

Technical Interpretation

Ability to interpret complex drawings, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and GD&T specifications.

Advanced Manufacturing

Knowledge of CNC machining, automation, special processes (e.g., heat treating, welding), or electronics assembly (SMT/CCA).

What we offer

Competitive salaries.

25 days holiday + statutory public holidays, plus opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days (37hr)

Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)

Company bonus scheme (discretionary).

6 times salary ‘Life Assurance’ with pension.

Flexible Benefits scheme with extensive salary sacrifice schemes, including Health Cashplan, Dental, and Cycle to Work amongst others.

Enhanced sick pay.

Enhanced family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity & shared parental leave

Work Culture

37hr working week, although hours may vary depending on role, job requirement or site-specific arrangements.

Remote, hybrid and site based working opportunities, dependant on your needs and the requirements of the role.

A grownup flexible working culture that is output, not time spent at desk, focussed. More formal flexible working arrangements can also be requested and assessed subject to the role. Please enquire or highlight any request to our Talent Acquisition team to explore the flexible working possibilities.

Up to 5 paid days volunteering each year

For this role the successful hire will need to be a permanent UK resident and successfully complete a baseline (BPSS) security and background check.