Launch Manager

Minth North America•Lewisburg, TN

2d•$0 - $105,000

About The Position

The Launch Manager leads all activities related to the introduction of new automotive products and programs, ensuring launches are completed on time, within budget, and meet customer quality requirements. This position coordinates cross-functional teams and serves as the primary escalation point during the launch phase.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Mechanical, Automotive, or related technical field
Minimum 5-8 years of project management experience in automotive manufacturing
Must have experience in new project introduction to manufacturing plants
Automotive parts industry experience, preferably with battery enclosures / structural components
Strong understanding of automotive project development process (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans)
Familiar with TS16949/IATF16949 quality system
Knowledge of relevant processes: aluminum extrusion, welding, machining, surface treatment, assembly
English proficiency required for daily communication with US plant team, customers, and Minth China

Nice To Haves

PMP certification
Experience launching new plants or production lines (greenfield or brownfield)
Experience with US or European OEM customers
Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese (to interface with China program teams)

Responsibilities

Lead the transfer of new programs from Minth China R&D/Program teams to the US new plant
Organize and lead cross-functional launch team (manufacturing engineering, quality, supply chain, production) to prepare for new program launch
Develop and maintain comprehensive launch timelines aligned with customer milestones and plant readiness
Ensure completion of all launch deliverables: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and safe launch plans
Lead plant-side process planning, line layout validation, and production trial runs
Coordinate plant resources (personnel planning, material readiness, new equipment/ tooling/ fixture transfer, acceptance, and commissioning)
Organize plant team training prior to launch and participate in production line acceptance
Lead trial production builds, validate process parameters, optimize processes, and conduct capability studies
Serve as primary point of contact between China program team and US plant operations
Lead regular launch review meetings, track open issues (LOP), escalate high-risk items to management
Coordinate with supply chain to ensure component readiness for pilot and ramp-up builds
Lead PPAP submission and obtain customer production approval
Drive resolution of quality issues and customer complaints during launch phase
Ensure all customer-specific requirements are understood and met
Lead plant team to resolve launch issues and achieve production readiness metrics
Support first 30-90 days of production to ensure stable quality and capacity ramp-up
Document lessons learned and best practices for future launches
Manage engineering changes post-launch
Control project costs within budget, and achieve optimal profitability targets
Track and report launch-related expenses