Principal NPI Engineer

Santa Clara, CAProduct Engineering /Full Time /On-siteWe are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Principal New Product Introduction Engineer to oversee design release management and product lifecycle processes for Natron's Sodium Ion Battery products. This role will focus on configuring and improving engineering release workflows and establishing a culture of high-quality design change management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering processes, product lifecycle management, and manufacturing of complex electromechanical systems.Key ResponsibiltiesPLM System configuration and scaling: Configure and maintain Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools to meet the needs of a growing production environment. Develop and optimize workflows within the PLM system to accelerate development and improve product quality.Engineering tool development:  Identify, implement, and manage engineering tools to streamline product development. Ensure integration between design, procurement, and manufacturing systems.Engineering change management: Champion a production-oriented design release culture, ensuring high-quality change requests. Train teams on best practices for engineering change request submission, review, and approval.Bill of materials management: Manage the creation and coordination of engineering, procurement, and manufacturing Bills of Materials (BOMs). Ensure alignment of BOMs with design and production requirements.Procss improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve engineering change and product release processes. Develop and track performance metrics to measure and enhance the effectiveness of PLM tools and processes.Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with product design, quality, compliance, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure smooth implementation of new designs. Support the development of work instructions, control plans, and production documentation. Collaborate with procurement and manufacturing to ensure changes are effectively implemented in production.QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field).Minimum of 10 years of experience in NPI, product development, or manufacturing engineering, preferably in the battery or energy storage industry.Strong project management skills with a proven track record of successfully launching new products.In-depth knowledge of battery technology, materials, and manufacturing processes.Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.Strong communication and leadership skills.Experience with quality management systems and regulatory complianceCompensation/Pay transparencyDisclaimer: The actual salary of a successful applicant may vary from posted ranges based on the candidate’s experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, geography, internal equity and alignment with market data, and other legitimate business reasons, including, but not limited to, compliance with applicable immigration law prevailing wages. In addition, Natron Energy has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Plan with Match, Life Insurance, Parental Leave Benefits, Discretionary Time Off (DTO) and Paid Time Off (PTO) for Exempt and Non-Exempt employees respectively, and 10 paid holidays. The range for this position, as scoped, is $186,000 - $197,000 annually.