Director Global New Product Introduction (NPI)

To complement our team, we are looking for a customer- and teamoriented individual for our division Plasma Control Technologies at either our San Jose (US), or Aachen (Germany) or Flamatt (Switzerland) locations as a

Director Global New Product Introduction (NPI)

For over 75 years, we have been following our curiosity. It drives us and has made Comet a leading Swiss technology company worldwide. Curiosity and the spirit of research have allowed us to become and remain innovative. For a better and sustainable world.

We develop and produce innovative high-tech components and systems based on X-ray and radio-frequency technology. Our developments make an important contribution to safer, more efficient and more sustainable production, mobility and communication. 

In the Plasma Control Technologies (PCT) division, we manufacture specialized components that are required for the precise control of plasma processes and are used in the production of memory chips or touch screens for sensors, smartphones or tablets.

Summary - Main Tasks and targets

• Develop, implement, and manage the global NPI strategy, processes, and structure, from initial concept through product launch, ensuring alignment with PCT’s goals and market demands.
• Actively represent NPI in the global NPI&OPS management team.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, sales, operations, and supply chain teams to develop and implement comprehensive NPI plans.

What you will do:

• Lead the teams at all NPI locations (currently San Jose (SJC), Aachen (AAH), Flamatt (FLA) and Suwon (SEL) as well as cross-functional teams. Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Develop and implement best practices and standardised processes for NPI aligned with up- and downstream processes. Continuously review and improve these to maximise efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Establish and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure adherence to all design and technology rules, define technology choice, timelines, milestones, and deliverables for new product launch.
• Ensure early involvement of NPI to development projects and early involvement of all stakeholders (SMC, GMDM, SCM, QM, OPS) to these.
• Ensure that detailed project plans, timelines and budgets to the products launched and the associated manufacturing systems are created and met.
• Establish and maintain project management tools and reporting to have problems early identified, escalated and troubleshooted to keep projects on track.
• Collaborate and openly debate with team to manage projects, solve problems, discuss challenging issues, and learn more about critical issues as a group.
• Lead regular cross-functional team meetings to facilitate communication, resolve challenges, and maintain project momentum.
• Ensuring the quality, accuracy, and completeness of technical documentation, including drawings and specifications.
• Provide regular updates and reports on the progress and performance of NPI projects.
• Ensure that post-launch analyses are conducted to evaluate the success of NPI projects and gain insights for future projects.
• Continuously explore opportunities to reduce time to marked for all products launched.
• Ensure that regulatory and industry standards throughout the product development and introduction process are known and understood in the organization and complied with.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of new product introductions and address any issues promptly.
• Promote a culture of innovation and best practice within the NPI team, encouraging collaboration, sharing knowledge, and embracing digitalisation.

What you bring:

Working experience/technical skills/know how.

• Master of Science or Bachelor of Science in Business, Engineering or Manufacturing Management.
• Min. 10 years of experience in product development, project management, or a similar role, with a strong focus on NPI in a global context.
• Proven track record of successful product launches in multiple markets.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, manufacturing processes and project management methodologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards in the semiconductor industry.

Personal skills (Leadership, social skills)

• Excellent leadership, team management, communication and interpersonal skills and used to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Initiative and motivation to add value to the organization and its customers and to maintain the position of Comet PCT as a global market leader.
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and not lose sight of the big picture even in hectic situations.
• Affinity with innovative solutions which can be applied throughout development to high-volume manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, both technical and interpersonal.
• Pragmatic and flexible attitude with a result- and data-driven can-do mentality.
• Works autonomously, well-organized, with good attention to detail, while setting high standards in all aspects of the work.

Methodological Competence

• Process optimisation, deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Total Quality Management methods.
• Project management, solid knowledge of project management and agile methods.
• Technology utilisation, the use of technology to increase operational efficiency (ERP, MES, BI).
• Continuous improvement, methods such as Kaizen, PDCA cycle, CIP.
• Quality management, use of quality management methods such as FMEA, 5S Poka Yoke.
• IoT, I 4.0, digitalization.
• Change management.

The target salary range for this job is approximately $160,000 to $175,000 annually.

*Job summaries account for a range of qualifications, skills, and experience that can be considered. We are committed to making fair and equitable job offers based on a number of factors including but not limited to the job scope, market conditions, and candidate skill level and depth of experience.

We offer you:

• Diverse challenges and an international team.
• Competitive compensation package; a great work culture; a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental and vision care benefits; tuition reimbursement; matching 401(k) plan; vacation and paid holidays and sick days.

EEO STATEMENT:

Comet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Comet does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.