Launch Engineer
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About The Position
The Launch Engineer is responsible for overseeing the project launch of manufacturing processes for products, whether they are new or involve engineering changes, from the prototype phase through to customer launch and the early stages of mass production. This role involves facilitating the review and release of product data provided by customers to the Midway organization and its vendors. The Launch Engineer coordinates kick-off activities for new projects, monitors project timelines, and promotes the initiation and closure of open issues. They are also responsible for approving process performance based on metrics established at the kick-off and initial part quality, while supporting manufacturing through the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) by ensuring submission and approval from the customer. Essential job functions include reviewing parts and assembly prints released to Midway for manufacturing feasibility, cost-saving processes, and timing. The Launch Engineer will compare released prints to current files to identify any changes in dimensions, specifications, or bills of material. They will prepare request for quote (RFQ) packages to send to tool shops for the design and build of tooling for engineering changes necessary to produce the released parts. Participation in the advance engineering and planning program is also required, along with acting as Midway's engineering representative to customers. Maintaining a working relationship with customer engineers is crucial to fully understand how parts are used and the expectations regarding part quality. The Launch Engineer collaborates with customers on finalizing Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Locator Drawings, and Special and Critical Characteristics. They will work with customer engineers to address manufacturing feasibility issues to achieve a part design that is feasible for production and aligns with the customer's planned assembly. Additionally, the role involves initiating prototype projects, ensuring tools replicate production process intent, and certifying that parts meet acceptable quality standards before shipment. The Launch Engineer will develop spreadsheets to compare quotes with customer-authorized costs and timing, establish and update Engineering Change Information, and assist in process development and implementation. They will coordinate with teams to create Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEAs), operator work instructions, control plans, and visual aids, while facilitating the quoting of engineering changes by identifying cost drivers and working with vendors and manufacturing sites to establish costs for customer quotes. The position also requires acquiring various customer approvals throughout the launch process, maintaining Program Electronic Launch Files, and planning, conducting, and directing engineering research and development projects or manufacturing engineering assignments. The Launch Engineer will provide written reports of customer meetings and site visits to vendors, coordinate with other Midway departments to ensure a smooth and timely launch of stamping die tooling, assembly fixtures, and product to assigned Midway plants, and provide launch support to both Midway's stamping/assembly plants and customers as needed. This includes communicating information and quotes to customers when directed, supporting die tool and assembly equipment buy-offs, and collaborating with the Purchasing Department in procuring materials and components essential for production. The role requires the ability to concept a rough check fixture plan based on part drawings, work well in teams, and drive the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process, ensuring all entities complete their tasks on time and properly. The Launch Engineer must strive to meet all project dates by working with APQP members to implement countermeasures for on-time deliveries and take an engineering approach to make dimensional improvements to parts produced in the manufacturing process.
