Senior NPI Project Engineer at Thales Avionics, Inc. (IFE) in Irvine, California

Job Description:

Location: Irvine, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Position Summary

The New Product Introduction (NPI) Project Engineer is responsible to drive electronic components, cables, mechanical prototype parts and materials in SAP ERP system and manage material logistics in NPI product development phase. Communicates with procurement, industrial operations and supply chain management for seamless transition from prototype builds to production builds, responsible for risk analysis on advance order of parts/materials prior to being qualified for production. 

Lead cross-functional team for small and medium level new development or legacy projects for Line Replaceable Units (LRU), Avionics racks, cabinets and cables. Responsibility includes creating, managing and control development schedule, budget, monitor progress and conduct project milestone review meetings.

Internal customers:

• Product management, Industrial OPS, Purchasing and Procurement, Customer Program management.

Managing:

• Development partners, contract manufacturers, suppliers and vendors.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Create purchase requisitions (PR) in SAP ERP system and work with Procurement to ensure purchase order (PO) based on PR from NPI PE are submitted and processed.


• Ensures that material inventory is received and managed for prototypes, pre-production and initial mass production embedded electronic HW, cables, avionics racks and cabinets. Maintains material costs database and updates management on a regular basis.


• Responsible for creating and maintaining a Recurring Cost (RC) models. Identifies cost drivers for DTC (Design to Cost) and works with development team to reduce cost.


• Implement cost savings initiatives on sustaining customer programs utilizing competitive quoting and analysis of alternate solutions and part numbers.


• Maintains the Recurring Cost Budgets with third parties suppliers and vendors;


• Oversees embedded hardware development material planning, industrialization, and operational transition to meet the schedule.

• Communicates project status and results to the management external and internal customers, through frequent contact and communication efforts.

• Collects various engineering development teams, programs, sales, services, etc. material demands and submits to Supply Chain Management for input into SAP.


• Creates and maintains Risk Register for NPI, Operations, Lessons Learned and all material Demands from engineering, programs, services and Sales.


• Lead milestones gate reviews and other required meetings internally and with third party suppliers.


• Lead major supplier transfer projects when required. Coordinate regular meetings to discuss and track progress. Create and maintain Work Transfer Management Plan, which includes detail Microsoft schedule, risk register and other key activities to successfully manage the transfer.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering  electrical, mechanical or other technical disciplines;


• Minimum of 5 years of experience and proven track record in New Product Introduction (NPI) activities in high tech electronic industries;


• SAP knowledge – intermediate level inquiry and report generation is a must;


• Evidence of excellent communication skills, effectively managing projects and working with global cross-functional teams;


• Must be very good with materials, mechanical parts and electronic components logistics, planning, well organized and resourceful;


• Working with multiple program tasks, setting the right priorities and understanding program needs;


• 
  Expert skills in Microsoft Excel, including lookup tables and other advanced features is a must;


• Skills in Microsoft Office use: Project, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint;

Leadership skills / Personal skills:

• Self-starter with the ability to work through ambiguity and evolving requirements;


• Must be able to multitask in an environment requirement a high level of detail and accuracy, work independently with guidance and take ownership of all assigned tasks;


• Capable of presenting information to management team and influencing key stakeholders;


• Ability to prioritize tasks while meeting deadlines in a high-pressure environment;


• Ability to relentlessly track and follow-up on open issues and action items;


• Ability to drive for results, hold self and others accountable, and continuously improve;


• Capacity to logically solve problems and manage projects by utilizing a data-driven, detail-oriented approach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding and experience within aerospace industry;


• Knowledge of the RFI, RFQ processes;


• Understanding of make/buy approaches and inputs as well as supplier risk assessment and mitigation planning,

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with (a) criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

Salary: