NPI Project Engineer

Job Description

About Sanmina Corporation

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive, and clean technology sectors. Sanmina has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to support New Product Introduction (NPI), New Product Development (NPD), and Sustaining Production, as well as the transfer of released designs to production at Fremont and other Sanmina sites. In this role, you will serve as the primary technical interface with customers and internal cross-functional teams (R&D, Program Management, Quality). You will provide technical project leadership to ensure timelines and customer expectations are met.

Nature of Duties & Responsibilities: New Product Development (NPI/NPD)

• Operations Project Lead: Represent manufacturing, procurement, planning, and logistics in NPI core team meetings.
• Design Translation: Interface with R&D to effectively translate complex design requirements into highly manufacturable processes.
• DFM/DFA Feedback: Provide robust Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback based on early prototype builds.
• Qualifications & Validation: Conduct IQ/OQ/PQ protocols; oversee verification and validation of new designs, modified processes, and assembly/test fixtures.
• Process Mapping: Develop process flowcharts, PFMEAs, and Process Control Plans.
• Fixture Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop assembly and test fixtures for complex electro-mechanical sub-assemblies.
• Supplier Engagement: Interface with critical suppliers and review their processes to ensure a seamless product launch.
• Training & Knowledge Transfer: Communicate process changes to manufacturing personnel and ensure training requirements are met. May travel to internal sites/suppliers to support knowledge transfer.
  
  

Sustaining Product Support

• Advanced Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues with mechanical components (cast, machined, molded, sheet metal), motors, cable harnesses, PCBAs, and complex electro-mechanical sub-assemblies.
• Root Cause Analysis: Perform thorough root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventative actions (CAPA) to address manufacturing discrepancies.
• Continuous Improvement: Practice Lean Manufacturing techniques and facilitate Lean/Kaizen events to optimize efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
• Documentation & Metrics: Maintain rigorous process documentation and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for assigned product lines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner daily with production supervisors, procurement, quality engineering, and logistics to resolve daily floor issues and supplier quality defects.
  
  

Education & Experience Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering preferred).
• Experience: 8+ years of related manufacturing and industrial engineering experience, preferably within an EMS or electro-mechanical environment.
• Technical Precision: Experience dealing with high-precision manufacturing, micro-features, or intricate electro-mechanical prototyping.
• Systems Design: Proven ability to design, implement, and improve integrated systems encompassing people, materials, information, equipment, and cost.
• Financial Acumen: Knowledge of product costing with a proven track record of identifying cost-reduction opportunities (VAVE).
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20%.
  
  

Technical Skills Required

• CAD/Layout Software: Intermediate to advanced proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for plant layouts, fixture design, and process flow mapping.
• Project Management: Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Project and data management software.
• Office Suite: High proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  
  

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity