Manufacturing Engineering & Program Launch Manager

GKN Driveline; Seberang Perai; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

GKN Driveline in Malaysia seeks a Manufacturing Engineering & Program Launch Manager to lead the development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes. You will guide NPI activities from concept through SOP, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement in cost, quality, and delivery.

The role requires 6+ years in manufacturing engineering or NPI within an automotive context, with a proven track record in leadership and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Program Launch or NPI within a manufacturing setting.
• Automotive industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing customer-facing projects.
• Experience managing product launches from development through SOP and post-SOP support.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production systems.
• Drive process optimization to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost performance.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing standards, engineering specifications, and process documentation.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility and provide technical solutions for complex challenges.
• Support plant expansion, automation, and capital investment projects.
• Lead NPI/Program Launch from C-stage through SOP and post-launch phases.
• Ensure milestones, launches, and deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.
• Coach and develop Manufacturing Engineers, Program Engineers, and Technicians.

Skills

Manufacturing Engineering

Process Development

NPI

Program Launch

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Lean Manufacturing

Project Management

Problem Solving

Cross-functional Teamleadership

Automation

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Automotive/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

QAD

IQRM

CNC Programming

Job description

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Manufacturing Engineering & Program Launch Manager

Proven people leader with managerial experience and a strong track record in team development, coupled with customer-facing experience and the ability to effectively manage stakeholder relationships. Brings solid technical expertise in Induction Hardening, Rolling Processes, CNC Programming, QAD, and IQRM, with a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Manufacturing Engineering

• Lead the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production systems.
• Drive process optimization initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing standards, engineering specifications, and process documentation.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility and provide technical solutions for complex engineering challenges.
• Conduct engineering assessments and inspections to ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Support plant expansion, industrial footprint, automation, and capital investment projects to support business growth.

Program Launch & New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and Program Launch activities from C-stage through Start of Production (SOP) and post-launch phases.
• Ensure all customer milestones, launch events, and deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.
• Drive closure of project open issues and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure launch readiness.
• Manage customer engineering changes and implement VA/VE and CIMS initiatives aligned with regional and global cost-saving objectives.
• Ensure customer sample builds and internal validation samples are delivered according to project schedules.
• Establish project milestones, KPIs, and resource plans, while monitoring overall project performance.
• Provide regular project updates to customers, regional leadership, and project management teams.
• Participate in customer project reviews and ensure timely submission of all required project documentation.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Manufacturing Engineers, Program Engineers, and Technicians.
• Set clear performance objectives, monitor progress, and support employee development through coaching and training.
• Allocate resources and prioritize activities to ensure successful project execution and operational performance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Engineering, and Commercial teams to achieve business objectives.
• Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication and project execution.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor and problem-solving resource for manufacturing and program-related challenges.

Budget, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Manage departmental budgets, capital expenditure projects, and resource planning activities.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve operational performance and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environment (HSE), Quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a safe working environment and promote a culture of operational excellence.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development
• Program Launch / New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Automotive Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plan)
• Project & Stakeholder Management
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
• Plant & Equipment Installation
• Cost Reduction & Value Engineering
• Leadership & Team Development
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Budget Management & Financial Analysis
• Customer Relationship Management

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Program Launch, New Product Introduction (NPI), or Project Management within a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing customer-facing projects.
• Experience managing product launches from development through SOP and post-SOP support.
• Experience in manufacturing process design, industrialization, automation, and capital projects is highly desirable.

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