Process Launch Engineer

About the role

A Manufacturing Process Launch Engineer manages new product/process introductions and changes, working with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless factory readiness by validating processes, equipment, and quality standards, focusing on new process/product launches through robust planning, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement, acting as the key manufacturing owner during ramp-up to achieve quality, cost, and schedule targets.

Responsibilities

• Drive all operational aspects of new product/process introductions and major changes, acting as the single manufacturing owner during ramp-up.
• Define, document, and validate new assembly, molding, welding, and testing processes, ensuring equipment and fixtures meet standards.
• Work with Design, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and other Project Support Groups to meet all validation and implementation targets.
• Monitor yields, scrap, throughput, and downtime, leading rapid response to issues and implementing corrective actions (e.g., using 8D, 5 Whys).
• Conduct capability studies (Cp, Cpk) and interpret data to drive process stability.
• Prepare documentation and ensure smooth transitions (handoff) to standard production teams.
• Capture lessons learned and implement standardized improvements for future launches.
• Write process design specifications.
• Analyze blueprints and interpret technical data.
• Implement engineering plans by evaluating current situations.
• Handle capital expenditure budget acquisition and control.
• Design equipment layouts for individual lines, cells, and zones.
• Oversee manufacturing of product for pre-production trials.
• Train manufacturing/maintenance members on new and improved processes.

Requirements

• Ability to prioritize workload.
• Effective planning and implementation skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Knowledge of machine mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, and materials.
• Effective trouble-shooting skills.
• Strong “hands-on” ability.
• Capable of reading and understanding schematics.
• Computer skills, Excel, Word, Email, Power Point, Solid works.
• PLC programming experience.

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• A bachelor's degree is REQUIRED.
• OR An associate's degree with minimum 3-5 years’ experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
• OR 5-10 years' experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.

Organizational (and Outside) Relationships

Customer Design Manufacturing Maintenance Quality Advanced Launch Quality Control OMC Production Control etc.

Physical Demands / Requirements

(0-33%) (34-66%) (67-100%) 1. Standing 2. Walking 3. Sitting 4. Lifting (weight 40 lb) 5. Heaviest Weight Lifted (40 lb) 6. Carrying (weight 40 lb) 7. Heavy Weight Carried (40 lb) 8. Pushing/Pulling 9. Weight Pushed/Pulled (40 lb) 10. Climbing 11. Balancing 12. Bending/Stoop 13. Crawling 14. Reaching 15. Reach Above Shoulder 16. Work Above Shoulder 17. Walk on Uneven Ground 18. Fine Manipulation 19. Gross Manipulation 20. Simple Grasping 21. Power Grip 22. Hand Twisting 23. Twisting of body 24. Kneeling 25. Crouching