Launch Engineer – Plant Program Lead

About the role

The Launch Engineer leads the plant team responsible for introducing new products, processes, or programs. Working closely with the Program Manager and the broader Program Team, this role ensures all plant‑related tasks, deliverables, and events are executed on schedule and to quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a cross‑functional plant team that includes tooling, process, quality, operations, manufacturing, and logistics engineers.
• Manage tool release, purchase, installation, commissioning, and run‑at‑rate activities for new product launches.
• Oversee hiring, training, PPAP submissions, supplier readiness reviews, and compliance with customer requirements and MRDs.
• Represent manufacturing on the Program Team, interfacing with Program Manager, Engineer, Buyer, Account Manager, and Cost Analyst.
• Conduct gap analysis and develop roadmaps to meet plant financial targets such as material cost, scrap, cycle time, and capital investment.
• Provide operational support for product builds, testing, process optimization, and variation studies.
• Implement Lean, 3P, and continuous‑improvement methodologies, ensuring safety, environmental, and housekeeping standards.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading cross‑functional plant launch teams.
• Strong knowledge of tooling, process, quality, manufacturing engineering, and logistics.
• Ability to meet operational financial targets and deliver on schedule.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental standards in a manufacturing environment.

Required skills

• Tooling release and commissioning
• PPAP management
• Supplier readiness assessment
• Lean methodology and 3P events
• Gap analysis and financial road‑mapping
• Production control and logistics coordination