Senior NPI Engineer - Santa Clara - Halo Industries

Description

The Company

Halo Industries has developed breakthrough technology to revolutionize a decades-old semiconductor material slicing process. Our laser-based solution minimizes waste, enhances material cost efficiency, and drives innovations across high-growth markets, including automotive, telecommunications, and power electronics. Founded in 2014 at Stanford University, Halo received significant funding in 2024, paving the way for rapid expansion, strategic customer engagement, and the launch of volume manufacturing.

The Opportunity

The Sr. NPI Engineer is responsible for transitioning new product designs from the development phase to pilot manufacturing, ensuring manufacturability, quality, manufacturing process testing, and successful launch of these complex machines.This role is at the intersection of design and manufacturing and therefore involves collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to identify potential issues, develop solutions, and implement processes for a smooth New Product Introduction (NPI).

Role and Responsibilities:

Design for Excellence

• Participate in advanced technology and product development.
• Analyze concepts and designs for feasibility in manufacturing and identifying potential problems early on.
• Provide DFM, DFA, DFR, DFT and DFS recommendations during product design reviews.

Process Development

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, including assembly, testing, and quality control procedures.
• Verify and qualify manufacturing processes and equipment to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Collaborate with contract manufacturers to prepare them for the upcoming new product introduction.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and implementing solutions for continuous improvement.

Product Requirements & Quality

• Work closely with scientists and engineers to understand the new product requirements.
• Establish quality standards and ensure they are met throughout the NPI process.
• Prepare technical documents, work instructions, and other necessary materials for production.
• Conduct tests and validations to ensure that the product and manufacturing processes meet requirements.

Prototype Builds & Pilot Manufacturing

• Support the engineering team with prototype builds.
• Design and order tooling/fixtures for assembly process during proto-type stage.
• Prepare plans and documentation to test pilot manufacturing processes and pilot tools.
• Drive NPI projects by managing schedules, cross-functional collaboration, and design transfer deliverables.
• Develop and execute process validations, including verifications, optimizations, and reports.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation for process and product failures.
• Review and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) into Pilot Manufacturing.
• Utilize PLM systems such as Arena PLM/QMS to support efficient Pilot Manufacturing workflows.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost, efficiency, and quality.

Problem Solving & Collaboration

• Identify and resolve technical issues that arise during the transition to pilot manufacturing.
• Use structured analysis methods to find root causes and verify solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to improve the product and the manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain, to ensure a successful product launch.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. Electrical / Mechanical Engineering or related field, M.S. Engineering or related is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in the capital equipment industry, preferably WFE industry.
• Experience in hands-on troubleshooting of complex equipment.
• Experience with methodical root cause analysis methods.
• Experience working with CAD/ERP/MRP/PLM/QMS systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with fabrication and manufacturing (assembly and test) processes.
• Experience in the WFE, Aerospace, Defense, Optical or Medical equipment industries.
• Experience with SolidWorks, NetSuite ERP/MRP and Arena PLM/QMS.
• Any relevant certifications like PMP/PE/Lean/Six Sigma etc.
• Excellent leadership, project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Detail focused with an ability to plan, collaborate, and optimize NPI projects to planned milestones.
• Strong technical acumen, communication and presentation skills: capable of engaging in detailed technical discussions while simplifying complex topics for broader audiences.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Bonus Plan eligible
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Free Food & Snacks
• Stock Option Plan
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Base salary $160,000 - $175,000

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in STEM. If you meet most of the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.