Senior NPI Engineer

Our Mission  

SPAN is enabling electrification for all ⚡

We are a mission-driven company designing, building, and deploying products that electrify the built environment, reduce carbon emissions, and slow the effects of climate change.

• Decarbonization is the process to reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, from entering our atmosphere.

• Electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuel appliances that run on gas or oil with all-electric upgrades for a cleaner way to power our lives.

At SPAN, we believe in:

• Enabling homes and vehicles powered by clean energy

• Making electrification upgrades possible

• Building more resilient homes with reliable backup

• Designing a flexible and distributed electrical grid

The Role

SPAN is seeking a talented Sr. New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer. You will play a crucial role in the development and introduction of new products. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, supply chain, quality and contract manufacturer, to ensure that products are designed for manufacturability and can be scaled efficiently. This role requires a hands-on approach, innovative thinking, and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced startup environment.

This position will report directly to our Director of Manufacturing Engineering and be an integral part of the SCM Organization (Supply Chain & Manufacturing).

Responsibilities

• Process Development: Develop and implement manufacturing processes for new products, including tooling, fixtures, and automation where applicable.

• Bill of Materials (BOM) Development and Maintenance: Help maintain and update BOMs by owning new SKUs, adding and changing components, and ensuring accuracy.

• DFM/DFA: Ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA), considering cost, quality, and efficiency.

• Process Documentation: Responsible for documentation, maintenance, and release of assembly and logistics process instructions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with the product management, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure smooth product launches and ramp-up.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance product quality and reduce time-to-market.

• Supplier Interaction: Communicate with suppliers to assist in sourcing parts, resolving quality issues, and ensuring timely delivery of materials.

• Cost Optimization: Drive high-impact cost reduction through second sourcing, subassembly outsourcing, component count reduction, and creative redesigns.

About You 

Required Qualifications

We are seeking a highly capable New Product Introduction Engineer who has:

• 6-8 years of well-rounded experience in various NPI functions, including manufacturing engineering, equipment engineering, and process engineering.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), and Arena PLM and SAP DMC.

• Self-starter with the ability to adapt, improvise, and problem solve. The ability to think strategically with confidence and speed in execution.

• Experience working with large CMs (Contract Manufacturers), preferably in the US, Mexico and Asia.

• Strong background in new product launch environments, with extensive experience bringing products from concept to first customer shipment.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing startup environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Deep breadth of experience working with contract manufactures and component suppliers ranging from finished goods assemblies to mechanical and electrical components.

• Enthusiasm for innovation and a strong desire to contribute to the development of cutting-edge products.

• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with automation technologies and robotics in manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and scalability.

• Six Sigma Black Belt, or Lean Manufacturing certification.

• A demonstrated ability to develop NPI strategies and structures that yield long-term success in rapidly growing engineering environments.

• PCBA manufacturing experience.

Life at SPAN

Headquartered in San Francisco’s vibrant SoMa neighborhood, we are an eclectic group of creative thinkers who value open communication, teamwork, and a ‘make it happen’ approach to addressing complex challenges. 

SPAN embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. 

We’re hiring talented individuals who are driven by success and are passionate about shaping the future of . If that sounds like you, we’d love for you to consider joining the rapidly growing team at SPAN.

The Perks:

⚡ Competitive compensation + equity grants at a well-funded, venture-backed company

⚡ Comprehensive benefits: 100% employee premiums for base plans on medical, dental, vision with options for additional coverage.  Parental leave up to twenty four (24)  weeks depending on eligibility

⚡ Comfortable, sunny office space located near BART and Caltrain public transit

⚡ Strong focus on team building and company culture: Employee Resource Groups, monthly social events, SPANcakes recognition breakfast, lunch, and learns

⚡ Flexible hours, one holiday per month, and flexible time off

Interested in joining our team? Apply today and we’ll be in touch with the next steps!