Automotive Plant Launch Engineer: Production Readiness

Actalent; Sparta (TN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Plant Launch Program Manager for a contract-to-hire role in Sparta, TN, focusing on coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve manufacturing readiness and successful SOP. You will lead Run at Rate validation, build plans, and launch governance.

The role requires automotive program launches experience, strong program management, and ability to drive costs and schedule, with visibility through dashboards and LRRS.

Qualifications

• Proven automotive plant launch experience and production ramp-up expertise.
• Strong program management skills for coordinating cross-functional launch activities.
• Manufacturing engineering experience or close collaboration with manufacturing engineering.
• Hands-on experience with launch support activities (R@R, pilot builds, validation).
• Knowledge of APQP/PPAP processes and automotive quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage risks and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute build events and R@R validation to confirm readiness.
• Lead plant-level launch execution to ensure smooth ramp-up and launch targets.
• Develop and manage production power build plans and capacity ramp-up strategies.
• Drive accountability across functions to complete launch deliverables and adhere to timelines.
• Identify and resolve launch barriers, track performance, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Lead Launch Readiness Review meetings and publish launch status reports.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Launch planning

Manufacturing engineering

APQP knowledge

R@R / Run at Rate

Supply chain coordination

Data-driven decision making

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Plant Launch Program Manager for a contract-to-hire role in Sparta, TN, focusing on coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve manufacturing readiness and successful SOP. You will lead Run at Rate validation, build plans, and launch governance.

The role requires automotive program launches experience, strong program management, and ability to drive costs and schedule, with visibility through dashboards and LRRS.