Launch Manager

AAON, Inc. • Longview, TX

1d

About The Position

The Launch Manager leads cross-functional operational readiness for introducing new or revised heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning products into manufacturing. This position ensures production capabilities, materials, staffing, equipment, quality processes, and facility needs are prepared to support a smooth transition from planning through start of production. The role coordinates detailed readiness activities, monitors risks, resolves issues, and provides data-driven insights on capacity and performance. The Launch Manager contributes to department objectives by ensuring that product launches meet targets for timing, cost, and quality.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field; 5+ years of experience leading new product introductions or major operational changes in a manufacturing environment; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including planning, tracking, and risk management.
• Ability to analyze operational data, assess capacity, and interpret production and quality performance.
• Skilled in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and communicating with both shop-floor teams and leadership.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing workflows, production processes, and continuous improvement methods.
• Ability to develop standard operating procedures, readiness checklists, and documentation supporting production launch.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, visual reporting tools, and basic modeling techniques.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Ability to adjust priorities quickly and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Frequent movement throughout production areas, test environments, and warehouses.
• Ability to observe manufacturing builds and conduct on-site assessments.
• Extended desk and computer work required for planning, documentation, and reporting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning manufacturing or electro‑mechanical production preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional planning and execution activities to ensure full operational readiness for new product launches or major product changes.
• Develops and maintains launch plans, schedules, stage gates, and readiness criteria to guide teams through planning, pilot builds, and production ramp.
• Coordinates material readiness, workforce planning, equipment and tooling preparation, process validation, quality planning, and logistics flow design.
• Identifies risks and issues, facilitates problem resolution, and drives corrective or recovery actions to maintain launch timelines.
• Prepares capacity, performance, and readiness reporting to support decision-making and leadership communication.
• Partners with engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, maintenance, and program management teams to achieve launch performance goals.
• Ensures alignment between production needs, facility capabilities, and workforce availability during ramp-up.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees