Job Description

About this role:

The New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineering Technician is the senior hands-on technical resource supporting the introduction of new and transferred products into serial production. The role leads build execution for prototype, ECS, MCS, pilot and first-of-kind units, installs and proves out tooling, fixtures and test equipment, and produces the process documentation and validation evidence used to authorize production. Working with limited supervision, the technician partners daily with NPI and Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and production teams, and serves as a technical mentor to operators and less-experienced technicians. Performance is measured by build execution to schedule, first-of-kind build quality, accuracy and completeness of process and validation documentation, tooling and equipment readiness at start of production, and successful transfer of new processes to the production floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads hands-on execution of prototype, ECS, MCS, pilot and first-of-kind builds, sequencing work with engineering and production to protect the build schedule.
• Installs, sets up, commissions and troubleshoots NPI tooling, fixtures, gauges and test equipment, and runs them off to qualified condition before production use.
• Builds, modifies and proves out fixtures, workstations and material presentation, and provides design-for-manufacturability and ergonomic feedback ahead of design freeze.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, process sheets and test procedures to build and verify new configurations.
• Performs and documents functional and performance checks, including run test, leak check, evacuation and charging, dimensional inspection and electrical verification.
• Develops and updates work instructions, visual aids, standard work and routing inputs with Manufacturing Engineering.
• Maintains records and evidence supporting PFMEA, control plan, PPAP, first-article and process-validation packages.
• Troubleshoots non-routine build, tooling and test issues, containing the problem and escalating with data and a recommended corrective action.
• Supports engineering change implementation during launch, verifying part accuracy, configuration and build sequence on the floor.
• Trains and certifies production operators and junior technicians on new-product processes, tooling and quality standards.
• Works to all EH&S requirements, including job hazard reviews, lockout/tagout, lifting and rigging, and safe handling of refrigerants and pressurized systems.
• Supports handoff to sustaining Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and Operations, closing open build issues and supporting post-launch performance follow-up.

Physical Attributes:

• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Bending, standing, climbing and working at height for extended periods in a manufacturing environment

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and 8+ years of experience as an engineering, quality, lab or manufacturing technician in a manufacturing environment OR associate degree, technical certificate or completed skilled-trades apprenticeship and 6+ years of experience as an engineering, quality, lab or manufacturing technician in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience supporting prototype, pilot, first-of-kind or validation builds.
• 3+ years of experience installing, setting up and troubleshooting tooling, fixtures, and production or test equipment.
• 3+ years of experience reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, process sheets and test procedures.
• 2+ years of experience creating or revising work instructions, visual aids, test records or validation documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or technical certification in Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, Electrical or a related field.
• Experience with HVAC, refrigeration or comparable large-format discrete assembly involving sheet metal, piping, electrical build-up and system charging.
• Brazing or welding qualification, or demonstrated ability to braze copper tube and follow qualified braze and weld procedures.
• Experience supporting new line installation, equipment commissioning and ramp to qualified rate.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, control plans, PPAP, first-article and safe-launch requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of measurement and inspection tools, basic GD&T, and standard quality methods.
• Experience with run test, leak detection, evacuation and charging, and electrical continuity or functional testing.
• Working proficiency with SAP or equivalent ERP, MES, PLM such as Windchill, and Microsoft Office.
• Proven ability to work with limited supervision, train operators and mentor junior technicians.
• EPA 608 Universal certification, and Lean or Six Sigma certification.