Senior Launch Engineer

Volvo Car Corporation•Ridgeville, SC

About The Position

The Senior Launch Engineer is a key member of the Body Shop Launch organization and is directly involved in the Launch Quality Operating System (LQOS) and the Volvo Product Development System (VPDS). The role supports the launch program from Virtual Build through SOP +90 days, translating program requirements into stable, production-ready execution within A Shop. Reporting to the Head of Launch, this position provides senior technical leadership across launch activities, drives cross-functional alignment, and ensures that risks, open issues, resources, and deliverables are managed with the urgency and discipline required for a successful production launch.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in an active manufacturing production environment, with strong working knowledge of at least one area such as Stamping, Body-in-White, Paint & Plastic, TCF, Quality, or MP&L.
Hands-on project management and/or vehicle launch experience with the ability to manage multiple priorities, risks, stakeholders, and deadlines.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability in a fast-paced production environment.
Ability to lead through influence, communicate clearly across functions and levels, and drive accountability without losing collaboration.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
High school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
Broad Body Shop / BIW manufacturing knowledge and prior experience supporting production ramp-up, launch readiness, or operational handover.
Experience presenting complex launch status, risks, and technical topics to senior leadership in a concise, decision-oriented format.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned Body Shop launch workstreams and ensure launch requirements are understood, planned, executed, tracked, and closed in line with LQOS and program timing.
Drive readiness from Virtual Build through SOP +90 by identifying gaps, defining countermeasures, escalating risks, and confirming sustainable handover to the production organization.
Work closely with Launch, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Logistics, Product/Program teams, and other stakeholders to ensure decisions and actions are aligned across functions.
Lead structured resolution of launch issues using facts, data, clear ownership, due dates, and escalation when required. Maintain focus on root cause, containment, permanent corrective action, and verification of effectiveness.
Provide accurate, concise input to Body Shop Launch Health reporting, including status, risks, actions, decisions needed, and recovery plans for launch-related items.
Support achievement of launch quality, process capability, production stability, and repeatability by ensuring identified concerns are addressed before they become sustained production losses.
Organize work, priorities, and available resources so short- and long-term launch objectives are delivered efficiently and critical-path activities remain visible.
Provide practical production-based input and direction on Body Shop launch topics and support sound decision-making with clear technical judgment.
Ensure launch deliverables, open-item ownership, standards, and lessons learned are transferred effectively to the receiving production organization.
Model the aspired Volvo Cars culture through collaboration, accountability, transparency, respect, and a strong commitment to safe and sustainable business results.
Operate in accordance with applicable legal requirements, company compliance standards, delegated authorities, processes, procedures, and instructions.