Mechanical NPI Engineering Lead

At D-Fend Solutions, our people are our greatest strength — and technology is our passion. Our team of innovators and subject matter experts, including veterans of elite military intelligence technology units, is transforming the way organizations protect themselves from drone threats. As the global leader in cyber-takeover counter-drone technology, we design and deliver advanced, software-defined solutions that empower our customers to detect, take control, and safely land unauthorized drones — with precision and reliability. Every day, we push the boundaries of innovation to meet real-world security challenges across industries and environments. We’re proud of our cutting-edge technology, our global reach, and the impact we make in securing the skies. We’re seeking passionate professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative environment — those who want to be part of the next generation of airspace security innovation. Join D-Fend Solutions and help make the world a safer place. Become a D-Fender! Work with the world’s leading cyber-takeover counter-drone technology provider and shape the future of safe airspace. Job Summary: As the Mechanical NPI Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for leading the transition of complex multidisciplinary hardware products from R&D design and development phase to successful mass production across local and global Contract Manufacturers (CMs). You will act as the primary mechanical technical point of contact, managing New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, stabilizing mechanical tolerances for new hardware platforms, auditing 3D CAD vs. 2D drawing configuration accuracy, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams (R&D, QA, Procurement, Configuration Control, and System Validation) to ensure high-yield, repeatable manufacturing. Main Responsibilities: Lead and manage New Product Introduction (NPI) mechanical activities for new hardware products, overseeing the entire process from R&D handoff through prototype builds (Prototype Lab) to design to mass production. Develop standardized "Copy-Exact" mechanical manufacturing packages for global production lines. Audit, reconcile, and synchronize 3D CAD models (SolidWorks) with 2D production drawings prior to line release, resolving dimensional, thermal, enclosure fit, and color/finish stack-up discrepancies. Develop and optimize mechanical manufacturing processes, creating detailed engineering assembly instructions (MIs). Lead Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) reviews for stamped, extruded, machined metal, plastic injection, and enclosure parts. Drive formal First Article Inspection (FAI) processes for all mechanical parts and enclosures in strict collaboration with QA. Author and process Engineering Change Requests/Orders (ECR/ECO) in the company PLM system. Lead the design, validation, and certification of industrial product packaging and shipping enclosures. Act as the technical focal point, collaborating with R&D, production, quality assurance, System Validation, and supply chain teams. Support and lead the design, procurement, and manufacturing of production assembly jigs and alignment fixtures for the production line, working in coordination with external mechanical design consultants and machine shops. Support the assembly of mechanical prototypes in the internal Prototype Lab, bridging R&D Mechanical Architecture and Configuration Control. Manage mechanical vendors and local/global CMs. Support mechanical vendor qualification and second-sourcing initiatives in coordination with Procurement. Required Skills & Qualifications: B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering or a similar technical field from a recognized university. Minimum 4–6 years of hands-on experience as a Mechanical NPI Engineer or Mechanical Product Lead in a multidisciplinary high-tech hardware company. Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks- Mandatory), including advanced surface modeling, sheet metal, GD&T, and creating strict 2D technical engineering documentation. Experience with NPI processes, PLM systems and ECO/ECR workflows. Experience in a high-tech company with multidisciplinary products and contract manufacturing Proven ability to write clear assembly and test instructions (MIs/ATPs) and technical documentation in English. Deep knowledge of production processes, metal fabrication (CNC, sheet metal, die-casting), plastic injection molding, thermal management, (QMS) and work on a production line. Proven experience executing formal FAI (First Article Inspection) and DFx methodologies. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage long-term projects and work effectively with cross-functional teams to drive progress and solve problems on the production line. Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment Additional Qualifications: Direct experience with global Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Copy-Exact line setups at Tier-1 EMS sites abroad. Familiarity with mechanical component sourcing and second-sourcing part qualifications. Familiarity with multidisciplinary systems, structural enclosures, and connector/harness strain relief. Previous experience as a Mechanical NPI Engineer in a scaling hardware company. Willingness to travel to Contract Manufacturer sites abroad as required during NPI pilot runs (approx. 10–15%). We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.