New Product Introduction Engineer Jobs in Normal, IL

The New Product Introduction (NPI) Sourcing Specialist plays a key role in bringing new products from development to production. You'll own sourcing, supplier coordination, and material readiness for assigned NPI programs, ensuring the right materials are available at the right cost, quality, and timing.

You'll work closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Operations, Planning, Purchasing, Finance, and suppliers to manage sourcing activities, resolve material challenges, and proactively address supply and launch risks.

What You'll Do

Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Lead RFQs, quote analysis, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and total-cost assessments
• Source components, assemblies, fabricated parts, electrical components, enclosures, and other NPI materials
• Identify and qualify new, alternate, and dual-source suppliers
• Build strong supplier relationships and monitor cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and launch readiness
• Support supplier design reviews focused on manufacturability, functionality, cost, and launch requirements
• Maintain supplier documentation and Approved Vendor Lists (AVL)

Material Readiness & NPI Execution

• Ensure materials are available for prototypes, validation builds, production launch, and stabilization
• Manage NPI POs, supplier commitments, confirmations, delivery schedules, and changes
• Proactively resolve shortages, late deliveries, quality issues, and other material risks
• Coordinate PPAP orders, inspections, engineering approvals, and production release requirements
• Support material forecasting based on build plans, demand, and supplier lead times
• Partner with Planning, Purchasing, and Operations to maintain accurate ERP data
• Execute expediting, risk buys, advanced purchases, and supplier recovery actions as needed
• Transition suppliers and materials to Production Purchasing after launch stabilization

Cost & Commercial Management

• Evaluate supplier pricing, tooling, NRE, logistics, tariffs, and other commercial factors
• Maintain accurate Costed BOMs (CBOM), standard costs, and sourcing data
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities through negotiation, alternate sourcing, volume leverage, VA/VE, and process improvements
• Support resolution of pricing, PO, invoice, and other supplier commercial issues
• Support sourcing and cost analysis for engineering changes, material transfers, and sustaining activities

Risk & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Assess supplier capacity, lead time, quality, financial, geographic, and supply continuity risks
• Develop mitigation plans for single-source, constrained, long-lead, and high-risk components
• Represent Sourcing/Supply Chain in NPI core teams, program reviews, build readiness meetings, and launch activities
• Communicate material status, supplier commitments, costs, risks, and recovery plans to stakeholders

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or a related field OR four years of relevant experience in a supply chain role within a comparable environment.
• Proven experience with engineering change processes
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional project management abilities
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and communicate insights effectively
• Demonstrated ability to manage shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with SAP or a similar ERP system
• Understanding of inventory management principles
• Background in the new product development cycle
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as required

Why This Role Matters

This role is at the intersection of engineering, supply chain, suppliers, and operations. Your work will directly influence how successfully new products move from concept to production-helping the organization launch products on time, at the right cost, and with a reliable supply base.

Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role based in Belvidere, IL is $67,700 - $101,600 USD. This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is field. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certification, and geographic location. This role is eligible for variable compensation including short-term and long-term incentives.