Manager, Manufacturing Engineering – NPI (New Product Introduction)

Trust Automation

Trust Automation has over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population. Every employee has an “at-will” relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineering (MFGE) Manager – NPI leads a team of engineers and technicians responsible for transitioning products from Engineering Prototype through Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and into Released manufacturing. Reporting to the Director of MFGE, this role drives successful product industrialization by developing manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and documentation to ensure manufacturability, repeatability, and production readiness. The manager partners closely with Engineering, Quality, Materials, Document Control, Drafting, and Manufacturing to execute program milestones and deliver production-ready systems on schedule. This role owns product transition processes through Manufacturing Release and formal handoff to sustaining operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

• Lead the transition of products through Prototype, LRIP, and Manufacturing Release phases.

• Own manufacturing readiness planning for assigned programs, including schedules, risk tracking, production launch execution. etc.

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, test setups, and assembly methods required to support production introduction.

• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with Engineering, Quality, Materials, Document Control, Drafting, and Manufacturing to resolve technical issues impacting manufacturability or schedule.

• Support pilot builds and early production runs, ensuring manufacturing capability and repeatability are achieved prior to release.

• Support creation and validation of work instructions, manufacturing routings, and process documentation.

• Identify manufacturing risks early and lead mitigation efforts through corrective action planning and process refinement.

• Prioritize MFGE resources in coordination with Engineering Program Managers (EPMs) and Manufacturing Program Managers (MPMs) to support new program execution.

• Provide technical mentorship and support to Manufacturing Engineers, Technicians, Industrial Engineers, and interns assigned to NPI activities.

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and company policies during build execution and process development.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers and Engineering Technicians supporting product transition activities.

• Lead recruiting, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance evaluations to ensure team capability aligns with program needs.

• Establish priorities and assign resources based on program schedules, manufacturing readiness requirements, and critical build needs.

• Uphold HR policies and company values while fostering a high-accountability, collaborative team environment.

• Approve timecards in accordance with internal and contract-specific requirements.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an MFGE, Engineering, Industrial Technology or related discipline.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP.

• 10+ years applicable/related experience AND 2+ years’ experience as a supervisor or manager.

• Microsoft Suite of products including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD and SolidWorks PDM.

• This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.

• May Participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.

• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items.

• Seeing to read a variety of materials.

• Sitting or standing for extended period of time

• Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.

• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Pay/Salary Information

Pay scale for this position - $135,000.00- $150,000.00 annually

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information provided within. You certify that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of your knowledge. You understand that to falsify information is grounds for refusing to hire, or for discharge should you be hired.