The Company is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of New Product Introduction (NPI) to lead the critical transition of our revolutionary laser wafering tool designs from R&D to high-volume manufacturing. This pivotal role will be responsible for validating the product record, prototype, and pilot tool designs, ensuring the seamless integration of these advanced systems into our manufacturing processes.
As the Director of NPI, you will build and lead a high-performing team encompassing supply chain, manufacturing, and NPI engineering resources. You will spearhead the qualification and management of suppliers, oversee internal material handling, and direct the build, integration, and testing of our cutting-edge tools. Your expertise will be crucial in optimizing tool design and manufacturing processes through close collaboration with R&D engineers during the New Product Development (NPD) and NPI phases.
This is a newly created leadership position, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of our manufacturing operations and drive the successful launch of our next-generation products.
This is a full-time, non-hybrid, on-site position in the SF Bay Area.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Build, lead, and mentor a team of supply chain, manufacturing, and NPI engineers and technicians.
- Plan, staff, train, and retain resources to support operational program plans.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- NPI Prototype Ownership:
- Assume full ownership of NPI prototypes, ensuring successful transition from R&D to manufacturing.
- Work closely with suppliers, systems, hardware, and software engineering teams to define, prevent, and resolve sourcing, build, integration, and test challenges.
- Ensure seamless electrical, mechanical, and software interface compatibility of system components.
- Verify and validate functional capabilities and performance levels to meet application requirements and stakeholder needs.
- Manufacturing and Process Optimization:
- Oversee the build, integration, and testing of prototype and pilot tools, including individual wafering stations, networked stations, and complete wafer processing lines.
- Drive process improvements and execute the Operations Strategy to enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.
- Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert in tool production activities.
- Coordinate engineering change order activities with suppliers, NPI teams, and other functional groups.
- Supplier and Contract Manufacturer (CM) Management:
- Qualify and manage supplier performance, including conducting supplier business reviews.
- Support performance management and improvement efforts for suppliers and CMs.
- Build strong lines of communication with CMs and internal stakeholders.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Facilities, and EH&S departments to ensure alignment and effective communication.
- Represent the NPI production organization in design reviews, providing input on cost, producibility, inspectability, serviceability, consistency, quality, and reliability.
- Work with CMs and stakeholders from different departments to ensure alignment on NPI system integration plans.
- Verification and Validation:
- Ensure functional acceptance test criteria are met.
- Create integration and verification plans, ensuring functionality and performance of prototype systems.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Proven experience in a leadership role within NPI or manufacturing engineering, preferably in the semiconductor or laser technology industry.
- Strong understanding of supply chain management, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with complex electromechanical systems and software integration.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Experience with CM management.