Launch Engineer

The Plant Launch Engineer leads the plant team for a program, product or process launch.

Responsible for all plant tasks, deliverables and events via the plant team.

Works closely with the Program Manager and the rest of the Program Team.

Functions as Program Manager for internal plant projects.

Reports directly to Launch Manager in Plant (where applicable).

Leads a cross functional plant-based program team

Is responsible to execute all ClauS deliverables, specifically all plant tasks and deliverables for new product launches including tool release, purchase and installation and commission of all tooling and equipment, run at rate, hiring and training, Power Builds, all PPAP’s, supplier readiness reviews and meeting all customer requirements and MRDs

Represents the team as the lead manufacturing member of the Program Team.

Interface with the Program Manager, Program Engineer, Program Buyer, Account Manager, and Cost Analyst

Meeting program timing requirements for the total program, but with special focus on plant tasks and deliverables

Gap analysis and roadmaps for plant targets including material, scrap, production cycle time, tool cost and capital investment.

Maintains shared responsibility to meet all operational financial targets with the plant/division teams

Provides operations support for product builds, testing, process optimization, run at rate events and variation studies

Represents operations in a professional way, maintains customer satisfaction, and meets customer expectations for response time, quality products, delivery on time, communication and quality systems

When functioning as the Program Manager, meets all requirements of that Job Description

Ensures Housekeeping and Health & Safety Standards are maintained

Complies with policies and procedures pertaining to facility or divisional adopted standards such as IATF 16949 and ISO 14001

Utilizes the concepts of continuous improvement including Lean

Management of Customer and Cooper Systems within the program management requirements. (VPP, Alerts, EnterProj, Wind-chill, etc.)

Influences the level of service and the team’s ability to meet quality and volume objectives in a timely manner

May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Bachelor of Science (BA) in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering preferred

Minimum of three years’ experience in automotive industry

Willingness to obtain (or) possession of Six Sigma Black Belt or Kepner- Tregoe certification Ability to solve complex problems and exercise judgement based on the analysis of multiple sources of information

Experience in a variety of basic operations disciplines: Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Materials and Logistics, Process / Tooling Engineering and Shop Floor Management

In-depth understanding and application of concepts, theories and principles in program management

Identifies and Coordinates the resolution of issues related to programs or processes

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary

Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor

Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required

Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury