Automotive Plant Engineering Leader – Launch & Ops

Insight Global; Berea (KY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking a Technical Department Head for a top automotive manufacturing client. This senior leader will oversee Production Engineering, Process Improvement, New Model Launches, and Maintenance operations.

They will be responsible for driving manufacturing excellence through equipment reliability, operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and successful execution of vehicle launch programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field.
• 10-15+ years of automotive manufacturing engineering experience.
• 5-7+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams within a manufacturing plant.
• Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience with APQP and PPAP.
• Experience leading new product/vehicle launches from concept through production.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, etc.).
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 standards and core quality tools (FMEA, Control Plans, SPC).
• Maintenance and equipment reliability leadership experience.
• Experience driving OEE improvements, uptime initiatives, and operational excellence programs.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.
• Master's Degree (Engineering or MBA).
• Experience leading major vehicle launch programs.
• Background in automation, robotics, Industry 4.0, or smart manufacturing technologies.
• Expertise in predictive maintenance systems.
• Experience with large-scale manufacturing transformations.
• Proven track record of developing engineering leaders and succession planning initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead all Production Engineering, Process Engineering, New Model Launch, and Maintenance functions
• Drive manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics
• Optimize equipment reliability, asset utilization, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Resolve production issues impacting downtime, scrap, throughput, and efficiency
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead value stream mapping and waste reduction activities
• Develop and implement standardized manufacturing processes and best practices
• Monitor plant KPIs including cycle time, scrap, labor efficiency, cost per unit, and equipment uptime
• Drive automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 initiatives
• Oversee APQP and PPAP activities for new model launches
• Manage tooling validation, process development, manufacturing readiness, and launch stabilization efforts
• Partner with Product Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Support capital equipment planning, upgrades, and long-term asset management
• Develop engineering talent, succession plans, and organizational capability
• Establish plant technical strategies focused on growth, capacity, and technology adoption
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards

Skills

Automotive manufacturing processes

APQP & PPAP

New model launches

Lean & Six Sigma

Root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why)

IATF 16949 & quality tools

Maintenance leadership

OEE & uptime improvements

Cross-functional leadership

Vehicle launches leadership

Automation/Industry 4.0

Leadership development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field

10-15+ years of automotive manufacturing engineering experience

5-7+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams within a manufacturing plant

Master's Degree (Engineering or MBA)

Job description

Insight Global is seeking a Technical Department Head for a top automotive manufacturing client. This senior leader will oversee Production Engineering, Process Improvement, New Model Launches, and Maintenance operations.

They will be responsible for driving manufacturing excellence through equipment reliability, operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and successful execution of vehicle launch programs.