| Location | Greer, SC |
One Company, One Driving Force.
With a rich history dating back over 45 years, Plasman is a leading global automotive and manufacturing company with several locations across North America and Europe. At Plasman, you will work with the world's best and brightest to shape the future of our global company. Our employees come from rich and diverse backgrounds working collectively together for the success of one company. We believe the most impressive thing we've built is our workforce. And together, we will accomplish more than ever imagined.
We are Plasman. And we are One Driving Force.
Plasman is currently seeking a new member to join our ENGINEERING team as a:
Launch Engineer
(Tier 1 Automotive Supplier - BMW Focus)
Position Summary
The Launch / Change Management Engineer is responsible for leading and executing end-to-end program launches and engineering change processes in alignment with IATF 16949 and BMW Customer-Specific Requirements (CSR).
This role ensures that all product, process, and system changes (4M) are properly evaluated, approved, validated, and implemented without risk to quality, delivery, or customer compliance, while supporting APQP, Safe Launch (GP12), and series production readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Launch & APQP Execution
Lead plant-level execution of APQP deliverables across all phases (quote SOP ramp-up)
Drive cross-functional readiness (Engineering, Quality, Operations, Materials, IT)
Track program milestones and ensure all deliverables meet timing and quality targets
Support equipment readiness, manufacturing strategy, and production ramp-up activities
BMW Change Management (Core Ownership)
Serve as Change Owner for all engineering and manufacturing changes
Manage full lifecycle of changes:
Identification and classification (product, process, 4M, supplier, SAP/MES)
Risk assessment (quality, safety, delivery, cost)
Cross-functional review and approval
Ensure formal approval prior to implementation (no retroactive changes)
BMW CSR / GS Compliance
Evaluate every change against BMW GS standards and CSR requirements
Determine need for:
Customer notification
PPAP / PPA submission
PCS/IPQ triggers
Ensure compliance with:
GS 90018 (requalification)
GS 91008 (maturity)
GS 98001 (readiness)
Product Safety & Special Characteristics
Ensure proper handling of PSCR-related changes and safety-critical features
Verify updates to:
DFMEA / PFMEA
Control Plans
Ensure safety approvals are completed before release
Risk Management & Validation
Lead structured risk analysis for all changes:
Quality
Delivery
Compliance
Cost impact
Define and execute:
Trial runs / pilot builds
Capability studies (Cp/Cpk, Cm/Cmk)
Measurement validation (MSA)
Documentation & System Control
Ensure all documentation is updated before change release, including:
Work Instructions
Control Plans
Process flows and layouts
Inspection plans
SAP / MES master data
Maintain strict version control and traceability
Safe Launch (GP12) & Launch Stability
Support and enforce BMW Safe Launch (GP12) containment strategy
Ensure:
Standardized inspection processes
Defect tracking and escalation
Operator training effectiveness
Drive achievement of zero-defect containment and process stability
Cross-Functional Coordination
Lead change and launch reviews with:
Quality
Engineering
Production
Logistics
IT / SAP / MES
Act as key interface to:
Program Management
Customer (BMW) when required
Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
Support 8D / root cause investigations tied to launches or changes
Drive lessons learned into future programs (APQP feedback loop)
Identify systemic gaps in change control and implement corrective actions
Qualifications
Education
Experience
3-7+ years in:
Automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
Launch / APQP / program management
Engineering change management
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of:
IATF 16949 / APQP / PPAP
DFMEA / PFMEA / Control Plans
BMW CSR and GS standards (highly preferred)
Experience with:
SAP / MES systems
BOM / routing changes
Change management tools (PLM, ECN systems)
Plasman values and supports the unique talents and strengths that each employee brings to our organization. We invest in our people and give them the tools they need to achieve success in their career.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process or have any questions, please contact HR.
Thousands of Innovative Minds. One Driving Force
Visit our website at plasman.com to see our capabilities and the culture that creates it.