NPI Engineering Manager

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.

Posting Dates: 4/15/26-4/30/26
ABOUT THE ROLE

Advanced Thin Films (ATF) develops and manufactures high-performance optical components for advanced laser applications. The NPI Engineering Manager leads the integration of new products, processes, and technologies into high-volume manufacturing, serving as the primary owner of new product introduction from concept through production readiness.
 

This role acts as the central bridge between Technology & Innovation, Process Engineering, and Operations, ensuring new products are developed, validated, and transitioned into stable, scalable manufacturing. As a member of the site leadership team, this role drives alignment across engineering and operational functions while ensuring technical execution supports business objectives.
 

This role is highly cross-functional and externally facing, serving as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions on specifications, feasibility, and performance validation. The environment is fast-paced and evolving, requiring strong prioritization, coordination across multiple programs, and the ability to manage competing priorities. This role operates in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities, requiring strong judgment, adaptability, and the ability to navigate ambiguity.
 

This is a strategic leadership role focused on program execution, technical direction, and successful product integration, with accountability for aligning engineering efforts with manufacturing readiness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

New Product Integration & Manufacturing Readiness

• Own end-to-end integration of new products into manufacturing, from prototype through production readiness
• Define and manage NPI program structure, including gates, milestones, risk mitigation, and deliverables
• Ensure manufacturing readiness through validation, process definition, and transition planning
• Establish clear ownership and formal handoff to Process Engineering, ensuring defined readiness criteria and transition of accountability for sustained production performance
• Support product changes, expansions, and lifecycle updates to existing product lines

Customer & Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, leading discussions on specifications, feasibility, and performance validation
• Provide technical direction for the design and development of laser-based optical products and assemblies
• Lead resolution of customer-facing technical issues and field performance concerns
• Manage technical risks related to laser safety, optical performance, contamination control, and thermal effects
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) to ensure scalable production

Engineering Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead cross-functional execution of NPI programs, ensuring alignment across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain
• Manage multiple programs simultaneously, balancing timelines, technical complexity, and resource constraints with clear accountability and disciplined follow-through
• Drive design reviews, prototype builds, validation testing, and readiness assessments
• Ensure clear communication of program status, risks, and priorities across stakeholders

Engineering Sales Support & RFQs

• Own engineering support for RFQs, including feasibility assessment, cost modeling, and timeline development
• Partner with Sales to translate customer requirements into manufacturable engineering solutions
• Ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality responses to customer inquiries and new opportunities

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of engineers and scientists, with accountability for team performance and output
• Establish clear priorities and expectations aligned with business and program objectives
• Recruit, onboard, and develop engineering talent to support current and future needs
• Build strong technical capability and cross-functional collaboration within the team
• Address performance gaps through direct feedback and performance management

Process Development, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Process Engineering and Operations to ensure new processes are defined, documented, and ready for scale
• Develop and improve engineering systems related to design control, documentation, and change management
• Drive standardization of engineering tools, templates, and methodologies
• Identify opportunities to improve NPI workflows, efficiency, and scalability through systems and process improvements

Metrics, Daily Management & Execution

• Define and track KPIs related to NPI performance, including schedule adherence, readiness, and successful product transfer
• Lead structured program reviews and daily management routines focused on critical priorities and issue resolution
• Utilize data and structured problem-solving to drive decision-making and program execution
• Success in this role is measured through successful product launches, on-time program execution, and effective transition to stable manufacturing

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8–10+ years of experience in engineering, product development, or manufacturing environments
• 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams, including direct people management
• Experience leading new product introduction, product transfer, and manufacturing scale-up
• Experience working directly with customers on technical requirements and product development
• Strong knowledge of optical components and systems (coatings, lenses, alignment, metrology) preferred
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and cross-functional teams
• Experience operating in a Lean manufacturing environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Strong systems thinker with the ability to connect product design, process capability, and manufacturing execution
• Proficiency with statistical tools and structured problem-solving methods
• Strong program and project management capability across multiple concurrent initiatives
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, cross-functional environments with competing priorities
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to translate customer requirements into practical engineering and manufacturing solutions
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills
• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., ITAR/EAR) preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Primarily based in a manufacturing environment with regular presence on the production floor to support product integration and team alignment
• Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed
• Frequent standing, walking, and engagement with engineering and production teams
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment, materials, and cleanroom or controlled environments as applicable
• Occasional travel to customer sites or partner locations may be required
   

Additional Requirement:
Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.

Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?

Total Rewards

Benefits Package

Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/

IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Attention Applicants:  If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.

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