Project Leader – NPI Quoting
3 days ago
Fort Wayne
Position: Project Leader – NPI Quoting Location: Fort Wayne, IN We are seeking an experienced Project Leader with a strong background in wire harness design, manufacturing, and cost analysis. This role will be responsible for leading the quoting process for new product introductions (NPI), ensuring accurate cost models, competitive pricing, and seamless transition from quotation to production launch. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise in wire harness assemblies with strong program leadership and customer-facing skills. Why You’ll Love It Here: At Dekko, you’ll be part of more than just a company — you’ll join a team of passionate people who truly care about what they do and who they work with. We offer: • Great People & Culture – A supportive, values-driven environment where teamwork and integrity come first., • Competitive Pay & Benefits – Including comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and an 8% fully funded retirement plan., • Growth Opportunities – We invest in your development with training, mentorship, and the chance to take on new challenges., • Work That Matters – Contribute to innovative products that make a difference in how people live and work., • Stability with Flexibility – A growing company with a strong foundation that understands the importance of work-life balance. Here, you’ll be supported, challenged, and appreciated — and you’ll love being part of the Dekko team. What you'll do: • Lead the quoting process for new wire harness projects and other potential new quoting projects, including cost estimation, labor analysis, material pricing, and tooling requirements., • Review customer RFQs, drawings, BOMs, and specifications to ensure accurate technical and commercial proposals., • Partner with engineering to validate design feasibility, manufacturability, and compliance with customer and industry requirements., • Develop and manage NPI project timelines, deliverables, and handoffs from quoting to production., • Collaborate with supply chain to source and validate materials, connectors, terminals, and specialty components for accurate costing., • Prepare and present detailed quotations, cost breakdowns, and risk assessments to internal leadership and customers., • Lead cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, purchasing, quality) to support NPI quoting and launch activities., • Monitor industry cost drivers (materials, labor, logistics) to ensure competitive and profitable quotations., • Support the transition of awarded projects into prototype, pilot, and production builds, ensuring alignment with quoted assumptions., • Drive continuous improvement in quoting accuracy, speed, and standardization of NPI processes. What you'll need: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered., • 5+ years of experience in wire harness manufacturing, cost estimating, or NPI project management., • Strong knowledge of wire harness manufacturing processes, including crimping, soldering, sealing, bundling, and testing., • Familiarity with industry standards (IPC/WHMA-A-620, UL/CSA, automotive or aerospace standards as applicable)., • Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical drawings, schematics, and BOMs., • Experience with ERP/MRP systems for cost modeling and quoting., • Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills., • Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface directly with customers, suppliers, and executive leadership., • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy in cost modeling., • Results-driven with a customer-focused mindset. Bonus if you have: • Experience in automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, or specialty electronics industries., • PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certification., • Prior experience leading NPI launches from quotation through production. Dekko is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees