Director, NPI; Product Introduction

Overview

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems. We enable our customers to thrive and have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years. Our corporate values guide us to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility. The position is based out of one of our technology development centers in San Jose, California, with a hybrid work arrangement.

• Lead NPI Excellence:
  Standardize and own the end-to-end NPD-to-NPI process, driving faster time-to-market while maintaining quality, cost, and delivery commitments.
• Drive Phase-Gate Success:
  Establish rigorous phase-gate structures with clear ownership, readiness criteria, and accountability across Product Engineering, Operations, and business units.
• Manufacturing Innovation:
  Design and deploy high-volume semiconductor manufacturing systems, including tooling, automation, and process flows.
• Build Scalable Standards:
  Develop repeatable, scalable processes and digital solutions to maximize yield and operational efficiency.
• Champion DfX Practices:
  Integrate manufacturability, reliability, testability, and cost considerations into all new product designs.
• Optimize Supply Chain & Costs:
  Ensure supplier readiness, improve material quality, and leverage analytics to reduce cost and enhance performance.
• Enable Operational Excellence:
  Lead NPI and manufacturing teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Influence Leadership Decisions:
  Communicate priorities, risks, and results to executives and key semiconductor customers.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or industrial) with 10-15 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of experience building and leading high-performance manufacturing engineering teams.
• Skilled at setting challenging objectives and holding teams and individuals accountable.
• Proven experience developing, deploying, and improving manufacturing solutions that enhance factory flow and throughput.
• Excellent communication skills; fluent English speaking and writing; able to work globally with international teams.
• Ability to travel as needed to support NPI activities across Watlow (up to 30%).

• Master’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or industrial) is a plus.
• Strong bias for action and the ability to fix it if it isn’t right.
• Minimum of 10 years developing and deploying new products or introducing new products into manufacturing.
• Ability to build relationships with operations teams and understand factory dynamics (gemba).
• Ability to coach and teach manufacturing system fundamentals, standards, and techniques including process sizing, planning, development, and capacity evaluation based on takt and flow.
• Experience applying poka-yoke across machines and processes.
• Experience in deploying manufacturing process automation and/or digitalization is a plus.

The annual salary base pay for California is between $163,687-$205,000 annually. This is a good faith hiring range and you are also eligible for employee benefits and annual performance bonuses. Applicable pay within the posted range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, geographical location, job function, education, and experience. We may consider compensation above the posted range for candidates whose experience and qualifications closely align with the needs of the role.

The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan with company match and annual company contribution tied to performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

We actively embrace diversity and cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects each team member’s strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you need accommodations during the recruiting process, please email