NPI Engineer

Job description

New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer

Location: Hull

With a history dating back over 150 years and a presence in over 90 countries, Smith & Nephew is a recognised global leader within the Medical Devices industry. Today as a FTSE top 100 business with 14000 employees, we focus on innovation within Wound Management, Endoscopy and Orthopaedics.

As an NPI Engineer, you will be responsible for providing Engineering support to the Advanced Wound Management (AWM) New Product Introduction portfolio to ensure AWM New Product Development and commercial needs are met and aligned to the AWM profit improvement plan. Employing Lean and Sigma (6S) techniques you will work closely with outsourced manufacturers and the AWM New Product Development group to ensure successful implementation of new product developments, line extensions and continuous improvement projects that meet key design and product cost targets. This will include leadership and support of new product design, manufacturing process design, specification development, validation and start-ups, process and quality improvements, cost improvement programs, and enforced change activities.

Your key accountabilities will involve the following:

· To perform all activities in compliance with relevant GMP and Quality Systems standards and specifically with FDA Quality System Regulation and ISO 13485.

· Support NPD in the development of New Products, design and manufacturing specifications, ensuring designs are optimised for cost, quality performance and manufacturability within the outsourced supply base; Lead the development of New Line Extensions.

· Lead the development of new outsourced manufacturing process design, for both capital and revenue projects, including estimates for the design and implementation of project work, to ensure processes are capable to deliver consistent quality and cost efficiency and meet targeted financial commitments.

· Lead improvements to product and manufacturing process design to improve product functionality, quality, and unit cost.

· Lead the implementation and control of supplier enforced raw material and process changes required to secure continuity of supply.

· Manage Local and Global large projects in a highly cross functional team setting to define timelines.

· Maintain and develop performance metrics for outsourced manufacturers and suppliers.

· Provide technical expertise and utilize product and process excellence to develop process solutions to manufacturing issues; provide assistance to operations including troubleshooting of operating problems, special tests, studies, and technical assistance as required.

· Assist the Engineering Leader in providing specific technical direction and support to other engineering staff and represent engineering in cross functional activities.

· Support the Purchasing Department in finding and developing new vendors and managing technical issues with existing vendors.

· Develop and implement appropriate processes and procedures to ensure that all the regulatory and quality assurance requirements are met by the projects and the manufacturing process systems for the appropriate product classification.

Apart from a ‘can do' and positive attitude, we are also seeking the following skills/experience:

· B.S. degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience) in one of the following disciplines, Electronics Polymer Science/molding, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

· Appropriate work experience in roles focused on cost saving, efficiency, and process improvement projects utilizing statistical tools.

· Experience in a high volume industry with medical device experience.

· Experience operating in an FDA regulated industry highly desirable.

· Work experience in Solidworks, MS Office suite and SharePoint.

· Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with all levels of internal and external personnel including external regulatory bodies (FDA).

· Outstanding analytical, logical and critical thinking skills that encourage innovation and embrace change.

· Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and presentation skills.

· Take affirmative action in all conditions of employment by assuring that equal opportunity efforts and results are consistent with governmental rules and regulations and established Policies and Procedures.

· Problem solving - must be able to address issues that will prevent targets from being met

· Demonstrate continuous improvement in both the application of technical solutions and the development of people, processes and systems.

The Rewards…

A competitive remuneration package is on offer, commensurate with experience.

To Apply…

Smith & Nephew is committed to helping people regain their lives by repairing and healing the human body. We believe that this can only be achieved by establishing mutually beneficial relationships with all of our stakeholders including patients, healthcare professionals, investors and employees. If you share our passion for innovation and can demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply via the link provided. Applications must be received by 30 October 2015.

Desired profile

· B.S. degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience) in one of the following disciplines, Electronics Polymer Science/molding, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.