Current Job Openings
Director, NPI/NPD Engineering – Defense Search
OVERVIEW
Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting Defense/Aerospace company?! Then we've got the right team for you! In this role, you're responsible for the duties listed below.
Immediate opening for a Director, NPI/NPD Engineering in San Diego, CA who possesses:
- Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or closely related technical field (Advanced degrees are a plus)
- 10+ years of progressive engineering experience with at least 5 in NPI, NPD, or engineering program management roles
- Background in space/defense electronics, RF/microwave hardware, power electronics, or hi-rel components
- Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment is preferred
- Strong working knowledge of NPI processes
- US person status required (ITAR/EAR compliance)
Email resumes to aencarnacion@defensesearchusa.com and call 858.427.3668
FULL DESCRIPTION: Seeking a Director of NPI/NPD Engineering to provide strategic and operational oversight across all three Phase 1 Growth Engines. Reporting directly to the COO, this leader will be the single point of accountability for New Process Introduction (NPI) and New Process Development (NPD) execution across a portfolio spanning Hi-Rel space-grade fuse components, RF modules and assemblies, and 800VDC+ power conditioning systems.
This is a high-visibility, high-impact role. The Director will own two direct and will exercise functional oversight over NPI/NPD engineering resources embedded. The goal is consistent NPI/NPD process discipline, roadmap coherence, and on-time delivery across all three engines as we build a compelling revenue roadmap for potential acquirers.
The selected candidate will be responsible for:
Cross-Engine NPI/NPD Leadership
- Establish and govern a consistent New Process Introduction (NPI) and New Process Development (NPD) framework across, adapting for product type (fuse/space-grade vs. RF modules vs. 800V power) while maintaining audit-ready process documentation standards.
- Own the integrated NPI/NPD process schedule across all three engines; report program status, risks, and milestones directly to the COO on a regular cadence.
- Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and Design for Reliability (DFR) reviews across all OpCos at key program gates to ensure process readiness.
- Ensure NPI/NPD process handoff protocols (process freeze, FAI, PRR, production readiness) are executed consistently and documented for investor/acquirer review.
Engine 1
- Directly manage the LEO Fuse NPI Engineer and LEO Fuse NPD Engineer — the only two direct reports in Phase 1.
- Own the LEO fuse process development roadmap from process requirements capture through process verification and NPI handoff to manufacturing.
- Ensure compliance with space-grade and safety-critical standards (MIL-STD, ECSS, NASA-STD, ITAR/EAR) on all fuse programs.
- Interface with program managers and customers at PDR, CDR, and TRR milestones.
Engine 2 — RF Modules & Passives / REN-MA (Functional Oversight)
- Provide functional NPI/NPD process leadership to the REN-MA engineering team without formal direct reporting authority.
- Align the RF NPI process with company standards; ensure qualification plans, first-article documentation, and supplier coordination meet program requirements.
- Coordinate with REN-MA site leadership on resource allocation, schedule, and technical risk on RF filter, amplifier, and converter programs.
Engine 3 — 800VDC+ Power Conditioning
- Exercise functional oversight over three NPI Engineers in China (process development, manufacturing process, quality/reliability).
- Establish NPI process workflows, quality control plan templates, and process documentation standards aligned with company corporate requirements.
- Manage cross-cultural engineering coordination; partner with management to resolve schedule and quality issues.
Commercial & Strategic Support
- Partner with the Field Applications Engineer / Tech Sales (cross-engine commercial role) to translate customer requirements into NPI/NPD process program inputs.
- Support company leadership in preparing engineering process program documentation and roadmap materials for strategic buyer presentations and due diligence.
- Contribute to identifying and mitigating engineering process risk that could affect company valuation or acquirer readiness.
The selected candidate will also possess:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related technical field (Master's preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive engineering experience with at least 5 years in New Process Introduction (NPI), New Process Development (NPD), or engineering program management roles.
- Demonstrated experience managing or leading NPI/NPD process programs across multiple product lines or business units simultaneously.
- Background in one or more of the following domains: space/defense electronics, RF/microwave hardware, power electronics, or safety-critical / Hi-Rel components.
- Strong working knowledge of NPI process disciplines: DFM/DFT/DFR, FMEA, first article inspection (FAI), production readiness reviews (PRR), and MIL-spec/space qualification standards.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority — influencing process program outcomes across geographically distributed OpCos.
- Excellent executive communication skills; comfortable briefing COO-level and board-level stakeholders.
- US Person status required (ITAR/EAR compliance); active DoD security clearance preferred.
Preferred
- Experience in a PE-backed or M&A-active environment; familiarity with engineering due diligence or acquirer readiness documentation.
- Exposure to international engineering operations, including China-based manufacturing or engineering teams.
- PMP, APQP, or equivalent program/quality management certification.
- Experience with ERP/PLM systems (SAP, Agile, Windchill, or equivalent) across multiple sites.
- Familiarity with space-grade component qualification standards (MIL-STD-975, ECSS, NASA-STD) and/or RF/microwave hardware qualification.
Salary Range: $185,000 – 235,000/year
For immediate and confidential consideration, please email your resume to aencarnacion@defensesearchusa.com or call 858.427.3668.
More information can be found at www.defensesearchusa.com