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New Product Introduction Program Manager Jobs in Michigan

Drive coordination across forecasting, demand planning, new product introduction, and production readiness. * Translate internal program assessments into clear updates for account managers and ...

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New Product Introduction Program Manager information

What are some common challenges faced by New Product Introduction Program Managers during the launch phase, and how are they typically addressed?

New Product Introduction (NPI) Program Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating cross-functional teams, managing tight timelines, and ensuring product quality meets launch standards. Delays in supply chain, last-minute design changes, or misalignment between engineering and manufacturing can also arise. To address these issues, NPI Program Managers employ strong project management skills, facilitate regular communication among stakeholders, and implement risk mitigation strategies. Leveraging collaborative tools and fostering a culture of transparency are also key to successfully navigating the launch phase.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Product Introduction Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Product Introduction Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, supply chain processes, manufacturing, and a relevant degree such as engineering or business. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are typically required. Strong leadership, cross-functional communication, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure timely, cost-effective product launches and successful coordination among diverse teams.

What does a New Product Introduction (NPI) Program Manager do?

A New Product Introduction Program Manager oversees the process of bringing new products from concept to market. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensure that products meet quality and regulatory standards. NPI Program Managers work closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and marketing teams to identify and resolve issues, reduce risks, and streamline product launches. Their goal is to ensure a smooth and successful transition from product development to full-scale production and market release.

What is the difference between New Product Introduction Program Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectNew Product Introduction Program ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusOverseeing the launch process of new products, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure timely deliveryDefining product vision, strategy, and managing the product lifecycle
Required SkillsProject management, cross-team coordination, technical understanding of product developmentMarket research, customer insights, strategic planning
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, technology, or consumer goods companies involved in product launchesTech companies, startups, or any organization with a product portfolio

While both roles involve product development, the New Product Introduction Program Manager primarily focuses on managing the launch process and cross-functional coordination, whereas the Product Manager is responsible for defining the product's overall strategy and lifecycle. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and find suitable candidates for each role.

What are popular job titles related to New Product Introduction Program Manager jobs in Michigan? For New Product Introduction Program Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching New Product Introduction Program Manager jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for New Product Introduction Program Manager jobs in Michigan are:
Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Third Party International Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI

$45 - $55/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Manufacturing Engineer, Aerospace Machining and New Product Introduction
Location: West Michigan or Upper Midwest
Company: Third Party International
Schedule: Full time contract and contract to hire options available
Pay: Competitive based on experience
Third Party International is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a strong aerospace machining background. We are looking for candidates with a similar experience level and skill set to a senior process engineer in a precision aerospace shop environment. This role supports CNC machining, new product introduction, and supplier qualification for tight tolerance components and assemblies.
About the Role
You will lead and support manufacturing process development for complex machined parts and help qualify new sources of supply. The work includes process planning, CNC programming support, tooling and fixturing strategy, prove outs, supplier capability evaluation, and continuous improvement. You will partner closely with engineering, quality, supply chain, and production to launch new work, stabilize existing processes, reduce cost and cycle time, and build a capable supplier base.
Key Responsibilities
  •  Develop and document manufacturing processes for new and existing aerospace components 
  •  Create and maintain routings, operation sheets, setup documentation, and standard work for the shop floor 
  •  Support CNC programming and prove out activities for milling and turning, including first article readiness 
  •  Lead tooling and fixturing development including cutter selection, workholding strategy, and process capability planning 
  •  Optimize cycle time and improve part quality through process changes, tooling upgrades, and program improvements 
  •  Troubleshoot manufacturing issues on the floor and drive corrective actions to prevent recurrence 
  •  Collaborate with quality on inspection planning, GD and T interpretation, and first article documentation support 
  •  Support qualifying new sources of supply for machined parts, including supplier capability reviews, process validation, and first article readiness 
  •  Partner with supply chain and suppliers to define technical requirements, flowdowns, and inspection expectations 
  •  Work cross functionally with engineering and production to ensure smooth transitions from design to manufacturing and from supplier qualification to stable production 
  •  Support continuous improvement initiatives using lean methods and structured problem solving 
Qualifications
  •  Significant manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace machining or other regulated precision machining environments 
  •  Strong knowledge of CNC milling and turning processes, cutting tools, workholding, and process development 
  •  Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings with a working knowledge of GD and T 
  •  Experience supporting new product introduction including process development, prove out, and transition to production 
  •  Experience working with suppliers or supplier qualification activities for machined components 
  •  Comfortable working directly on the shop floor with machinists, programmers, inspectors, and supervisors 
  •  Proficiency with common manufacturing engineering tools and systems such as ERP, Microsoft Excel, and technical documentation workflows 
Preferred Skills
  •  Experience with CAD and CAM tools commonly used in aerospace machining such as Mastercam, Vericut, SolidWorks, NX, or similar 
  •  Background in fixture design, tool crib management, and cutter path optimization 
  •  Familiarity with AS9100 quality system expectations, supplier controls, and first article practices 
  •  Experience driving measurable cycle time reduction, cost down projects, and supplier performance improvements 
About Third Party International
Third Party International thirdparty.biz provides engineering, quality, and supply chain consultants to aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing companies across the United States. We deploy experienced professionals to support urgent manufacturing needs, long term capability building, and high impact improvement projects.
If you are a manufacturing engineer in West Michigan or the Upper Midwest with deep aerospace machining experience and you enjoy hands on process development, supplier qualification, and shop floor problem solving, we invite you to apply.