Process Launch Engineer

A Manufacturing Process Launch Engineer manages new product/process introductions and changes, working with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless factory readiness by validating processes, equipment, and quality standards. This role focuses on new process/product launches through robust planning, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement, acting as the key manufacturing owner during ramp‑up to achieve quality, cost, and schedule targets.

Perform detailed and complex job functions (e.g., normal course of business activities). Investigate and recommend ways to improve efficiency in manufacturing day‑to‑day activities on the manufacturing floor. May be required to work off‑shift schedule when necessary for manufacturing support, startups, new line set‑ups, and manufacturing downtime issues.

• Program Leadership:
  Drive all operational aspects of new product/process introductions and major changes, acting as the single manufacturing owner during ramp‑up.
• Process Development & Validation:
  Define, document, and validate new assembly, molding, welding, and testing processes, ensuring equipment and fixtures meet standards.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work with Design, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and other Project Support Groups to meet all validation and implementation targets.
• Quality & Performance Monitoring:
  Monitor yields, scrap, throughput, and downtime, leading rapid response to issues and implementing corrective actions (e.g., using 8D, 5 Whys).
• Data Analysis:
  Conduct capability studies (Cp, Cpk) and interpret data to drive process stability.
• Documentation & Handoff:
  Prepare documentation and ensure smooth transitions (handoff) to standard production teams.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Capture lessons learned and implement standardized improvements for future launches.
• Write process design specifications.
• Analyze blueprints and interpret technical data.
• Implement engineering plans by evaluating current situations.
• Handle capital expenditure budget acquisition and control.
• Develop schedule and coordinate activities of machinery and tooling suppliers.
• Design equipment layouts for individual lines, cells, and zones.
• Oversee manufacturing of product for pre‑production trials.
• Train manufacturing/maintenance members on new and improved processes.

• Ability to prioritize workload.
• Effective planning and implementation skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Knowledge of machine mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, and materials.
• Effective troubleshooting skills.
• Strong hand‑on ability.
• Capable of reading and understanding schematics.
• Computer skills:
  Excel, Word, Email, PowerPoint, Solid Works.
• PLC programming experience.

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Or an associate’s degree with minimum 3‑5 years’ experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
• Or 5‑10 years’ experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.

• Customer
• Design
• Manufacturing
• Maintenance
• Quality
• Advanced Launch
• Quality Control
• OMC
• Production Control
• etc.

• Office/Desk
• Manufacturing Floor
• Occasional Travel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Lifting (weight 40 lb)
• Heaviest Weight Lifted (40 lb)
• Carrying (weight 40 lb)
• Heavy Weight Carried (40 lb)
• Pushing/Pulling
• Weight Pushed/Pulled (40 lb)
• Climbing
• Balancing
• Bending/Stoop
• Crawling
• Reaching
• Reach Above Shoulder
• Work Above Shoulder
• Walk on Uneven Ground
• Fine Manipulation
• Gross Manipulation
• Simple Grasping
• Power Grip
• Hand Twisting
• Twisting of body
• Kneeling
• Crouching