New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead

Description

The NPILead plays a key role in supporting the introduction of new products and customer projects into production. This role bridges the gap between engineering design and manufacturing execution by coordinating prototypes, validating processes, documenting methods, and supporting accurate quoting for new and custom builds. The NPI Lead ensures new products are efficiently transitioned from concept to full-scale production while maintaining quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

This full-time position will report to theManufacturing Engineering Manager at our Safco Products location in Milford, Iowa.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to support product launches, trials, and pilot builds.
• Assemble prototypes and first articles to verify fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Provide hands-on feedback to engineering regarding design improvements or production challenges.
• Coordinate material, tooling, and equipment needs for pilot runs.

• Assist in developing and validating new manufacturing processes and work instructions.
• Document standard operating procedures (SOPs), assembly steps, and process flows for new products.
• Support process capability studies as part of new product qualification.
• Work with Manufacturing & Process Engineers to identify and implement improvements to enhance quality or reduce cost.
• Participate in early-stage quoting and feasibility reviews for new customer opportunities.
• Review drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to estimate time, tooling, and resources.
• Provide feedback on manufacturability and potential risks.
• Serve as a liaison between engineering, production, and quality during new product transitions.
• Train production staff on new processes and product builds.
• Serve as the primary facilitator for project update meetings, leading communication efforts with stakeholders and coordinating across departments to ensure timely progress, issue resolution, and alignment on project goals.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions related to new product builds.
• Identify opportunities for process efficiency and cost reduction.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives and documentation updates.
• Other duties, as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of hands-on manufacturing or process experience.
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Proficient in using measurement tools and troubleshooting equipment.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills.
• Comfortable collaborating cross-functionally and managing multiple projects.
• Strong communication skills.
• Familiar with lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement tools.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Prior experience supporting new product launches, prototyping, or process validation preferred.
• Background in supporting production in a high mix, low-to-medium volume environment a plus.
• Experience in wood & metal fabrication departments a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting pay rate for this position is $26.16 - 32.70 per hour. The compensation posted is the anticipated pay for the position at the time of the posting. We may pay above or below posted amount based on several factors, including, but not limited to education and/or certifications, skills, experience, or work location. Some positions may qualify for additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid time off; 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching and annual discretionary profit sharing; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services. Eligibility in benefit programs is based on hours worked per week.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift up-to 50 pounds
• Must be able to work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environment
• Must be able to work in crowded spaces for 4+ hours per shift
• Must be able to bend and stoop for 7+ hours per shift
• Must be able to stand for 6+ hours per shift
• Must be able to walk for 6+ hours per shift
• Must be able to reach and grasp up to 6+ hours per shift

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota, Liberty Diversified International (LDI) is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.

Since 1918, our values - Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence - have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior service and solutions for our customers. The LDI family of companies includes Liberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics (Custom Solutions and Quarrix Building Products) and Safco.

Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.