Staff NPI Engineer

The Company Halo Industries has invented a revolutionary technology to replace a decades-old semiconductor material slicing process. Our laser-based technology eliminates waste, improves material cost and performance, and drives advancements in high-growth markets like automotive, telecommunications, and power electronics. Founded in 2014 at Stanford University, Halo is well-funded and poised for rapid growth, engaging strategic customers and preparing for volume manufacturing. The Opportunity The Staff NPI Engineer plays a pivotal strategic and technical leadership role in scaling our proprietary capital equipment platform. Responsible for architecting the transition of complex, multi-disciplinary production machinery from R&D into full-scale manufacturing, you will drive operational readiness at the nexus of design, operations, supply chain, and quality. You will lead cross-functional launch strategies, establish manufacturing methodologies, mentor junior engineers, and ensure seamless New Product Introductions (NPI) aligned with key business milestones. Roles & Responsibilities Strategic Design for Excellence (DfX) & Architecture • Lead early-stage design architecture reviews, driving comprehensive DFM, DFA, DFR, DFT, and DFS strategies to eliminate manufacturing, quality, and supply chain risks prior to pilot launch. • Partner with R&D leadership and chief scientists to translate high-level system performance criteria into scalable, manufacturable equipment designs. • Oversee the lifecycle management of critical engineering deliverables, driving rigorous standards for BOM structure, CAD data integrity, and engineering change control (ECOs) across PLM systems. Process Architecture & Test Infrastructure • Drive the strategic development, qualification, and deployment of advanced manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes across internal lines and contract manufacturing (CM) partners. • Architect next-generation test stands, custom tooling, and automated fixtures required for precision equipment assembly and functional verification. • Author core manufacturing operational frameworks, technical documentation standards, and qualification protocols for production scaling. • Align and direct Tier-1 contract manufacturers and supply chain partners to establish world-class build and test capabilities for high-complexity systems. NPI Program Execution & Pilot Manufacturing • Drive prototype builds and pilot manufacturing programs, taking full ownership of NPI roadmaps, critical path schedules, resource allocation, and design transfer deliverables. • Establish and execute robust process validation frameworks (IQ/OQ/PQ), defining line-yield, cycle-time, and capacity targets. • Champion PLM and QMS platform strategies (e.g., Arena) to streamline workflows, enforce regulatory compliance, and optimize design-to-factory execution. Technical Problem-Solving & Continuous Improvement • Lead cross-functional task forces in solving high-impact, systemic technical issues using advanced root cause analysis frameworks (e.g., 8D, DMAIC, Fishbone). • Champion continuous improvement strategies (Lean/Six Sigma) across the equipment lifecycle to maximize yield, compress build cycles, and optimize total cost of goods sold (COGS). • Mentor mid-level and junior engineers, cultivating high technical standards and best-in-class NPI practices across the organization. Basic Qualifications • Education: B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline (M.S. or Ph.D. strongly preferred). • Experience: 10+ years of hands-on, progressive NPI and manufacturing engineering experience within capital equipment, semiconductor equipment (WFE), optical systems, or high-complexity medical device manufacturing. • Technical & Strategic Leadership: • Demonstrated track record leading full-lifecycle NPI launches for multi-disciplinary electro-mechanical systems from concept through volume production. • Expert-level troubleshooting capabilities across complex hardware, optics, robotics, pneumatics, and embedded control systems. • Mastery of formal root-cause methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA) and DOE (Design of Experiments). • Deep experience driving PLM/QMS/ERP architecture and design control workflows. • Executive Presence & Collaboration: Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence executive stakeholders, drive supplier alignment, and translate technical complexity into actionable business decisions. Preferred Qualifications • Tools & Software Mastery: Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks CAD, NetSuite ERP/MRP, and Arena PLM/QMS. • Process Expertise: Deep knowledge of precision machining, opto-mechanical alignment, complex harness integration, vacuum system assembly, and automated test environments. • Certifications: PMP, PE, Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt.