Launch Engineer

International Automotive Components•Alma, MI

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

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.

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, particularly General Motors, 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.