Launch Engineer

Role summary / purpose The Launch Engineer is responsible for leading and coordinating new product launches from program award through successful production implementation. This position serves as a key liaison between customers, suppliers, manufacturing, quality, tooling, and program management to ensure all launch milestones are achieved on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment and possess exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills. Key responsibilities • Manage new product launches from quote award through production readiness and safe launch activities. • Coordinate cross-functional launch activities between Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Program Management teams. • Develop, maintain, and communicate detailed launch timelines and project schedules. • Track and ensure completion of all customer milestones, APQP deliverables, and internal launch requirements. • Lead launch meetings and provide regular status updates to management and customers. • Coordinate tooling build activities, tool trials, mold qualifications, and production readiness reviews. • Support manufacturing process development for injection molding, assembly, and paint operations. • Collaborate with Quality teams to ensure PPAP submissions are completed on time and meet customer requirements. • Coordinate equipment installation, validation, run-at-rate activities, and production trials. • Identify launch risks and develop countermeasures to maintain program timing and deliverables. • Facilitate prototype and pre-production builds to verify process capability and readiness. • Work closely with customers to address engineering changes, launch concerns, and timing requirements. • Support implementation and tracking of engineering changes throughout the product lifecycle. • Participate in safe launch and launch containment activities as required. • Travel occasionally to customers, suppliers, and tooling locations. Requirements – education & experience • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field preferred. • Minimum 3-5 years of automotive manufacturing or launch experience. • Experience supporting Tier 1 automotive supplier operations. • Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and customer launch requirements. • Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Required skills • Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills. • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Outlook. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple launch programs simultaneously. • Strong attention to detail and follow-through on commitments and deadlines while working with cross-functional teams to achieve launch objectives. • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and all levels of the organization. • Ability to present launch status, risks, and recovery plans to leadership. Nice-to-have / preferred skills • Familiarity with process validation, run-at-rate events, and capacity planning. • Knowledge of GD&T, SPC, and MSA. • Experience with ERP and project management systems. Employment details – type, location, hours • Ability to walk p…