Launch Engineer

Xecutive Recruitment Inc.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Xecutive Recruitment Inc. is seeking a motivated Launch Engineer to coordinate new product launches within the manufacturing team. You'll work closely across engineering, manufacturing, and program management to ensure all product launches meet critical safety, quality, cost, and time targets.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and have over three years of relevant experience in the automotive manufacturing sector. A competitive salary and benefits are offered along with opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in automotive interiors or injection molding.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding, painting, and automated assembly processes.
• Proven experience leading product launches in a high-volume manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute all launch activities for new and modified products.
• Develop and maintain detailed project timelines and launch plans.
• Lead cross-functional launch teams, including APQP activities and PPAP documentation.
• Manage process development, equipment installation, tooling validation, and readiness.

Skills

Injection molding knowledge

Project management

Problem-solving

Analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Launch Engineer to join our manufacturing team. In this critical role, you will lead and coordinate the successful introduction of new products and processes into full-scale production. You will serve as the primary technical liaison between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to ensure seamless product launches that meet safety, quality, cost, and timing targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute all launch activities for new and modified products, including plastic injection molding, painting, and assembly processes.
• Develop and maintain detailed project timelines, launch plans, and milestone tracking from prototype through Start of Production (SOP).
• Lead cross-functional launch teams, including APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) activities and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) documentation.
• Manage process development, equipment installation, tooling validation, and production line readiness.
• Identify and resolve technical issues during pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases, driving root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design engineering, suppliers, and customers to implement engineering changes and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Monitor launch budgets, capital investments, and key performance indicators to ensure on-time delivery and cost objectives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance launch efficiency and manufacturing performance.
• Conduct process capability studies, PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and other quality tools as required.
• Provide technical training and support to production teams during ramp-up phases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in automotive interiors or injection molding.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding, painting, and automated assembly processes.
• Proven experience leading product launches in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and other core quality tools.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Excel, and other relevant software.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours during critical launch periods.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment focused on excellence in automotive manufacturing.