Manufacturing Launch Engineer

Job Summary

The role involves managing and delivering program launches, collaborating with external customers and internal stakeholders. Reporting to the Engineering Manager or Supervisor, the position is responsible for safeguarding the plant and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage launch aspects of program management.
• Collaborate with Program Managers for successful program development.
• Lead launch teams including Manufacturing Engineers/Technicians, Quality, Materials, Operations, and Production.
• Serve as the main owner of program launch readiness.
• Schedule and oversee the delivery and installation of new launch equipment.
• Ensure material availability for early program builds.
• Maintain program-specific internal communications to prevent confusion.
• Inform leadership of program status.
• Participate in Best Practices process improvements.
• Support development of work cell layouts and plan incoming materials to meet launch timing.
• Implement continuous improvements identified during Lessons Learned.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensure production processes meet quoted parameters at Run at Rate.
• Coordinate safety efforts with the Safety Administrator.

Technical Expectations

• Understand manufacturing processes and provide technical support for product-assigned program launches.
• Possess knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling.
• Be familiar with MS Office suite and program timelines.
• Ability to read blueprints.

Customer Relations

• Represent the company as a competent and committed supplier.
• Document responses to customers for agreement on decisions and direction.
• Participate in resolving quality concerns and travel as requested.

Cost Management

• Maximize company profitability while providing customer value.
• Maintain confidentiality of company business.
• Participate in sourcing tooling and equipment for new programs.
• Advise Program Manager to invoice customers when appropriate.

General Requirements

• Work independently under leadership direction and maintain program ownership.
• Observe company safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain high business ethics standards.
• Comply with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 standards.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Director of PMO & Estimating.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

• BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology; or job-related experience in Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality, Tool & Die, or other business functions.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and familiarity with Quality systems.

Supervisory and Management Skills

• Ability to interact with all organization levels.
• Plan and execute launch activities within the plant.
• Lead cross-functional teams toward success.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Write clear reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from various groups.
• Negotiate toward a preferred solution.

Mathematical Skills

• Work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, and fundamentals of geometry and trigonometry.
• Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Unit conversion is essential.

Reasoning Ability

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.

General Requirements

• Able to work in both individual and team environments.
• Work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The associate is frequently required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The associate must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are typical to standard office and manufacturing floor settings with moderate noise levels and a high level of activity. The work will mostly be in a manufacturing environment with occasional work in a climate-controlled environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and fumes. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Nicholasville, Kentucky, offers a blend of small-town charm and proximity to urban amenities. Known for its friendly community and scenic landscapes, Nicholasville provides a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. The area boasts a rich history, numerous parks, and a variety of local businesses and dining options, making it an attractive place to work and live.