New Product Development Engineer (NPD)

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Summary/Objective: The New Product Development Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, development, validation, and release of new interconnect solutions from concept through production. This position works cross-functionally to ensure product designs meet customer requirements, internal quality standards, applicable industry expectations, manufacturability requirements, and company objectives. 

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities:   

1. Support the design, development, and validation of connector solutions, including board-to-board, cable, power, high-speed, and panel-mount products. 

1. Collaborate with purchasing, quality, manufacturing engineering, test engineering, process engineering, electroplating, suppliers, product management, and other cross-functional teams to develop product solutions. 

1. Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues during product development, prototype builds, validation testing, and quality investigations. 

1. Adhere to all corporate engineering standards including, but not limited to, documentation, file management, testing, and reporting. 

1. Support design reviews, validation planning, product qualification, and production release activities. 

1. Apply data-driven problem-solving methods to evaluate design performance, determine root cause, and support corrective actions. 

1. Communicate project status, risks, issues, and next steps clearly and professionally to internal stakeholders. 

1. Travel to vendors and/or Samtec facilities outside New Albany as required. 

1. Perform administrative and project support tasks as required. 

 “The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities”    

Skills/Competencies:   

1. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across functional teams. 

1. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 

1. Self-motivated with the ability to drive assigned tasks to completion with appropriate guidance. 

1. Strong hands-on troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills. 

1. Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment. 

1. Strong attention to detail in documentation, modeling, testing, analysis, and project execution. 

Preferred Experience:    

1. Minimum of two years of experience in the design, development, or manufacturing of complex assemblies preferred. 

1. Experience with electrical connector development, design, and/or manufacturing preferred. 

1. Experience with plastic injection molding and/or progressive die stamping preferred. 

1. 3D CAD experience required; SolidWorks experience preferred. 

1. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

1. Experience with data analysis tools such as Minitab and/or JMP preferred. 

1. Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals and physics-based problem solving. 

1. Demonstrated experience using data-driven root cause analysis methods. 

Physical Requirements:   

1. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds from floor to waist. 

1. Ability to perform computer-based engineering work for extended periods and communicate effectively in standard office, lab, and engineering environments, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Preferred Education:   

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent. 

1. Technical or engineering experience can substitute for preferred education.