NPI Sourcing Engineer (Prototyping)

What you'll do:

The NPI SCM Senior Buyer - EMS Category is responsible for managing sourcing and procurement activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs executed through EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) suppliers. The role focuses on EMS ecosystem development, agile supply support to engineering teams, fast prototyping and pilot build execution, and global component procurement to meet aggressive development and launch timelines. The position ensures supply readiness, cost competitiveness, and risk mitigation while supporting smooth transition from prototype to volume production.

"1) Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities
• Lead end-to-end NPI procurement activities for EMS-based projects from concept, prototyping, pilot builds, and production ramp-up.
• Develop and manage the EMS supplier ecosystem, including supplier identification, onboarding, capability assessment, and performance management.
• Provide agile, responsive supply chain support to Engineering teams for rapid design iterations, BOM changes, and prototype builds.
• Coordinate closely with EMS partners to support fast prototyping, quick-turn builds, and engineering validation units (EVT/DVT/PVT).
• Execute RFQs, cost analysis, and commercial negotiations with EMS partners and component suppliers in alignment with project milestones.
• Manage component procurement from global suppliers, including lead time management, MOQ optimization, and logistics coordination.
• Ensure timely placement of purchase orders to support prototype, pilot, and launch builds.
• Track EMS and supplier readiness including capacity, tooling, AVL compliance, PPAP/FAI, and quality requirements.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to long-lead components, capacity constraints, single-source dependencies, and geopolitical or logistics risks.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives such as should-costing, VAVE, and alternate sourcing during product development phases.
• Manage shortages, expediting actions, and escalation during critical NPI build phases.
• Support structured handover of EMS suppliers, components, and commercial agreements to sustaining/plant SCM teams post-launch.
• Maintain accurate sourcing, pricing, lead time, and supplier data in ERP and sourcing systems.
• Prepare and present NPI SCM status, risks, and mitigation plans in project, engineering, and leadership reviews.
2) Decision-Making Authority
• Place purchase orders and commit to supplier schedules within approved sourcing strategies and authorization limits.
• Recommend EMS partners, component suppliers, and sourcing strategies for NPI programs.
• Propose alternate sourcing, make-vs-buy options, and supply risk mitigation actions.
• Initiate expediting and escalation actions to protect NPI timelines and build schedules.

3) Organizational Relationships
• Internal: Engineering (HW/SW), NPI/NPD Program Management, Strategic Sourcing, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, Logistics, Plant SCM.
• External: EMS partners, global component suppliers, distributors, tool makers, and logistics service providers.

4) Key Competencies Required
• EMS-based NPI / NPD Supply Chain Management
• Electronics and component sourcing
• Supplier ecosystem development and management
• Commercial negotiation and cost analysis
• Agile project and timeline management
• Supply risk identification and mitigation
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Continuous improvement and execution mindset"