Automotive Program Manager: Launch Lead & Cross-Functional

CSP (Teijin Automotive Technologies); North Baltimore (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BENEfits4U program

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) with company match

Job summary

CSP is seeking a Launch Manager to lead new product launches and automotive program management. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Materials, and Supply Chain to ensure milestones are met from development through mass production.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5–7 years of automotive launch experience, preferably with Tier 1 suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, engineering, program management, or launch management.
• Tier 1 automotive supplier experience preferred.
• Proven experience leading new product launches from development through mass production.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality and launch systems (APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Validation).
• Experience with manufacturing equipment, tooling, process development, and production readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all activities related to new product launches and engineering changes from award to production stabilization.
• Develop and maintain program launch timelines with key milestones and customer timing.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Materials, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.
• Establish BOMs, routings, process flows, control plans, and PFMEAs for new programs.
• Support APQP activities and ensure completion of gateway requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate PPAP submissions for production and tooling invoices.
• Lead process validation activities including trials, pilot builds, and run-at-rate events.
• Ensure production systems meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives before SOP.
• Provide staffing, training, and readiness support with plant leadership.
• Support customer launch reviews, audits, readiness assessments, and plant visits.
• Monitor launch performance metrics and drive corrective actions for quality/delivery.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Lean manufacturing

Project management

APQP/PPAP knowledge

PFMEA

Root cause analysis

Manufacturing process development

Customer launch management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PFMEA

APQP

PPAP

Process validation

Job description

CSP is seeking a Launch Manager to lead new product launches and automotive program management. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Materials, and Supply Chain to ensure milestones are met from development through mass production.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5–7 years of automotive launch experience, preferably with Tier 1 suppliers.