Sr. NPI Project Leader

Key Responsibilities

•Defines and executes a project plan, including financial and resource planning that enables the project to scale appropriately in each stage to meet project objectives and remain within budget. Drives the project's progress, reconfirming the project's value proposition, and recommending scope changes of the project to leadership, as appropriate
•Primarily focused on low to medium complexity NPI projects, as determined by our IPP Project Initiation Process, based on the Project Category Assessment Tool.
•Ensures technical work is organized and executed on time, to acceptable safety and quality standards
•Monitors for changes in customer requirements/scope or other assumptions and resolves impact on the project's strategy, business case, business model, predicted level of risk, resource requirements, speed, and value proposition.
•Works with customers during each stage to keep them engaged, to lead the scope of the project, and to interpret their perception of the product being developed, the equipment being installed, or process improvement being implemented.
•Handles the information flow related to project direction, issues, needs, and progress with key project constituencies including business leadership, internal customers, and team members.
•Develops and leads a compelling business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) and value proposition for the product relative to the division’s strategy, market needs, and competition. •Identifies technical and manufacturing levers to improve the project's business case. Ensures product testing and evaluation to confirm the initial value proposition, build fundamental understanding of the technology that enables continued differentiation, and ensure manufacturing implementation of requirements are met.
•Ensures that intellectual property is protected
•Utilizes best practices in project management to organize and execute project activities, including leveraging Performance Excellence tools and Critical Chain project management as appropriate.
•Applies Corporate and Division Innovation principles that helps us to ensure Safety, Quality, and Delivery objectives.
•Travel Requirements:
We anticipate up to 25% travel for this role at times depending on the project. May involve international travel.

Experiences/Education - Required

•B.S. in a technical field (Engineering or Physical Sciences).
•Experience in optics and any advanced degree (MBA, Masters) a plus.
•3 years or more of experience leading projects implemented in a manufacturing environment
•Experience leading or supporting cross functional teams (engineering, technical, operations) in planning and execution of projects, risk management, problem solving and execution of strategy
•Experience communicating project updates across multiple organizational levels
•Ability to develop strong relationships with manufacturing, technology and Product Line Management Stakeholders
•Able to make and/or propose sound decisions by blending analytical thinking with practical judgment, with a bias toward action.
•Experience with a New Product and Process Development Process
•Experience creating project plans, launching new projects effectively and managing budgets and timelines
Desired Skills:
•Proven technical aptitude with ability to discern technical approaches by asking the right questions of the team
•Experience leading Automation or Equipment-focused Projects
•Experience leading cost reduction initiatives and ensuring project monitors and meets cost targets
•Experience with Cost Modeling and business case validation
•Entrepreneurial attitude and approach toward creating new engineered products
•A passionate and creative problem solver
•Organized, meticulous attention to detail, self-starter, and motivated
•Proficient use of Microsoft Office Tools (Powerpoint, Excel, Word, Project).
•Proven ability to lead a team and maintain a positive work environment while delivering on time