DataDirect Networks is a leading global provider of data storage and data management solutions at scale. We accelerate AI and High Performance Computing workflows and applications in data centers, private and public clouds, and at the edge. Thanks to our technology, over 11,000 customers realize significant efficiencies in their GPU and CPU compute farms, substantially reducing their data center power consumption and footprint. Utilizing highly optimized flash technology and AI-enabled software, our products power some of the largest and most demanding customers in the world in fields such as autonomous driving, AI chatbots, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy, government, public sector, and research institutions, as well as generative AI and data analytics applications.

The Manager, Manufacturing Engineering and NPI will be responsible for overseeing the manufacturing engineering function and driving the successful introduction of new products into production as well as management oversight to the document control team. This position reports to the VP of Operations and can be remote or onsite in Chatsworth, CA.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Engineering Leadership:

Lead manufacturing engineering team in optimizing production processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to streamline manufacturing operations, reduce costs, and improve product quality and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering, to identify and address manufacturing challenges and opportunities.

NPI Project Management:

• Oversee the operational aspect of NPI projects, from development to production, ensuring alignment with release timelines, quality standards, and product requirements.
• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of strategic programs within the Operations department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, outlining key milestones, deliverables, dependencies, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute NPI projects effectively, managing risks, mitigating issues, and driving continuous improvement throughout the process.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for program-related inquiries, concerns, and escalations, facilitating timely resolution and effective communication.
• Evaluate and optimize existing NPI processes and workflows to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Document Management:

• Manage document control policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure the effective creation, review, approval, distribution, and retention of documents.
• Oversee the PLM team and system, ensuring timely updates and accurate record-keeping.
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and best practice adoption to enhance productivity.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency gains within the Operations department, driving initiatives to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure product compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, internal quality management systems and customer specifications.
• Stay abreast of relevant regulations and standards, providing guidance and support.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Serve as a liaison between Engineering, Operations, and other departments to ensure seamless communication and collaboration on NPI and manufacturing engineering initiatives.
• Facilitate regular meetings and status updates to keep stakeholders informed of project progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration, leveraging diverse expertise and perspectives to drive innovation and problem-solving.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or related field.
• Extensive experience in manufacturing engineering and NPI roles within the technology industry, with a strong track record of success in leading cross-functional teams and driving project execution.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, NPI methodologies, regulatory compliance, documentation management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on driving results and continuous improvement.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials are highly desirable.
• Must have 2 recent years of experience as a line manager and experience in electro-mechanical manufacturing.

DDN has a very strong orientation towards these 4 characteristics and any successful employee will demonstrate these capabilities:

Self-Starter - Takes independent action to identify and solve problems. Seeks out relevant information needed to make decisions. Gets involved with new initiatives.

Success/Achievement Orientation - Delivers quality results consistently. Targets, achieves (or exceeds) measurable results. Sets challenging goals, focuses on critical priorities, and is accountable.

Problem Solving - Recognizes problems and responds with a systematic assessment that identifies and addresses cause of issue. Practical, realistic, and resourceful.

Innovative - Builds and improves key business processes that enhance the effectiveness of DDN. Generates new ideas, challenges the status quo, and solves problems creatively.

DataDirect Networks, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.