NPI Engineer

Our Mission  SPAN is enabling electrification for all ⚡

SPAN is mission-driven to design, build, and deploy products that electrify our built environment, decarbonize our world, 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 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). 

In this position, you will be responsible for:

• 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:

• 4-6 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.

The U.S. base salary range for this position is $120,000 - $185,000 plus benefits, equity and variable compensation for Sales-related roles. This range represents SPAN’s good faith estimate of competitively-priced salary for the role based on national, real-time industry data from companies of a similar growth stage. This range reflects minimum and maximum new hire salaries for the role across US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by location and individual factors including relevant skills, experience and education or training. This range correlates to the relative level of the candidate we believe we need for the role and may require an adjustment for candidates of a different level. 

Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the location this role is based during the hiring process. 

Life at SPAN

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. 

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. 

We’re hiring talented individuals who are driven by success and are passionate about shaping the future of renewable energy. 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 six (6) months 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 unlimited PTO

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