NPI Assembly Technician

About the role

The NPI Assembly Technician works collaboratively with Design Engineering, Production Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to support the introduction of new products into production. This position performs prototype, pilot, and first-production builds; identifies assembly risks and improvement opportunities; and provides practical feedback on product design, tooling, manufacturability, and assembly methods.

The technician also helps develop, validate, and improve work instructions so that new products can be assembled safely, consistently, and efficiently in a production environment.

What you'll do

·   Assemble prototypes, engineering units, pilot builds, and early production units using drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and engineering guidance.

·   Collaborate with Design Engineering to provide hands-on feedback concerning fit, function, accessibility, component selection, tolerances, and design for manufacturability and assembly.

·   Work with Production Engineering to define assembly sequences, tooling, fixtures, equipment, workstation requirements, and standard production methods.

·   Identify assembly difficulties, unclear requirements, quality risks, and opportunities to improve safety, quality, cost, and cycle time.

·   Document build observations, issues, deviations, rework, and recommended corrective actions.

·   Review and validate assembly work instructions, including process steps, photographs, diagrams, inspection points, safety requirements, and critical-to-quality characteristics.

·   Verify that work instructions accurately reflect the approved product design and can be followed consistently by production personnel.

·   Participate in design reviews, build-readiness reviews, prototype evaluations, root-cause investigations, and continuous-improvement activities.

·   Support troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues during new product builds.

·   Assist with process qualification, production trials, first-article builds, and the transition from prototype to sustained production.

·   Recommend and evaluate assembly tools, fixtures, gauges, and error-proofing methods.

·   Train and support production assemblers during product launch and process transfer.

·   Maintain accurate build records and follow applicable safety, quality, configuration-control, and change-control procedures.

·   Handle components, assemblies, tools, and equipment in accordance with company standards.

·   Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

·   High school diploma or equivalent.

·   5+ years of experience in advanced assembly, prototype manufacturing, new-product introduction, or a related technical manufacturing role.

·   Ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly drawings, bills of materials, schematics, specifications, and work instructions.

·   Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools, power tools, measuring equipment, and assembly fixtures.

·   Demonstrated ability to assemble products with limited or evolving documentation.

·   Experience identifying and communicating design, quality, and manufacturing issues.

·   Ability to document technical processes clearly and accurately.

·   Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

·   Effective written and verbal communication skills.

·   Ability to collaborate with engineers, technicians, quality personnel, and production employees.

·   Ability to manage changing priorities in a prototype and production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

·   Associate degree, technical diploma, apprenticeship, or equivalent training in manufacturing, mechanical technology, electronics, mechatronics, or a related field.

·   Experience with NPI, prototype builds, pilot production, or manufacturing process development.

·   Experience creating visual work instructions or standard operating procedures.

·   Knowledge of design for manufacturability and assembly principles.

·   Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, root-cause analysis, and continuous-improvement methods.

·   Experience with document-control, product lifecycle management, manufacturing execution, or enterprise resource planning systems.

·   Experience with inspection tools and methods, such as calipers, micrometers, torque tools, gauges, or electrical test equipment.

·   Experience training or mentoring production assemblers.

About Heads Up Technologies

At Heads Up Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in the air. Since our beginnings in a Dallas hangar in 1985, we’ve grown into a global leader in aviation technology driven by innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of better in-flight experiences. From pioneering digital audio and lighting systems to uniting with STG Aerospace and ALTO Aviation under one brand, we continue to lead the way in cabin systems integration for business and commercial aircraft. Join us as we shape the future of aviation where lighting, entertainment, safety, and audio come together to elevate every journey.

Our Company

We are a team of engineers, innovators, creators, and problem solvers who are passionate about building smarter solutions for the aviation industry.

Through the combined strengths of our specialized brands and capabilities, Heads Up Technologies brings together deep technical expertise, modern design thinking, and a collaborative approach to support customers across every stage of the product lifecycle.

Our Culture

At Heads Up Technologies, our culture is grounded in shared values that guide how we work and grow.

Integrity
We act with honesty, accountability, and respect in everything we do.

Teamwork
We collaborate across teams and disciplines to achieve the best outcomes.

Excellence
We are committed to delivering high-quality work and continuously improving.

Expertise
We leverage our knowledge and experience to solve complex challenges

Our Mission

To elevate the aviation experience by delivering intelligent, integrated solutions powered by exceptional people.

Why work with us?

Joining Heads Up Technologies means being part of a team that is shaping the future of aviation.

We offer an environment where employees are empowered to contribute, grow their careers, and make a direct impact on innovative products used across the globe. Whether you are developing technology or supporting business operations, your work here matters.

Benefits and Perks

At Heads Up Technologies, we are committed to supporting the health, well being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Eligible employees have access to a competitive benefits package designed to support life at work and beyond.

Benefits may include:

• Medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield (Company Paid)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account option with company contribution, if eligible
• Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Company paid Long Term Disability coverage
• Voluntary Short Term Disability, Accident, and Critical Illness insurance
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Support resources
• Virtual care access
• Benefit Resource Center support
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Benefit eligibility and coverage are based on employment status, plan documents, and company policy. Official plan documents govern all benefits.