Launch Engineer

Plasman; Greer (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Plasman is seeking a Launch Engineer for their engineering team in Greer, SC. This role will oversee end-to-end program launches, ensuring compliance with quality and customer requirements. The ideal candidate will have a background in automotive manufacturing with strong project management skills.

Responsibilities include managing change processes, leading APQP execution, and ensuring product safety. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s in Engineering and related industry experience. Join us to drive innovation and excellence in automotive engineering.

Qualifications

• 3-7+ years in automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred).
• Experience in Launch/APQP/program management.
• Proficient in engineering change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant-level execution of APQP deliverables.
• Manage full lifecycle of engineering and manufacturing changes.
• Ensure compliance with BMW CSR and GS standards.

Skills

Strong knowledge of IATF 16949

Project management skills

Experience in automotive manufacturing

DFMEA and PFMEA expertise

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing)

Tools

SAP/MES systems

Change management tools (PLM, ECN systems)

Job description

One Company, One Driving Force.

With a rich history dating back over 45 years, Plasman is a leading global automotive and manufacturing company with several locations across North America and Europe. At Plasman, you will work with the world's best and brightest to shape the future of our global company. Our employees come from rich and diverse backgrounds working collectively together for the success of one company. We believe the most impressive thing we’ve built is our workforce. And together, we will accomplish more than ever imagined.™

We are Plasman. And we are One Driving Force.

Plasman is currently seeking a new member to join our ENGINEERING team as a:

Launch Engineer

(Tier 1 Automotive Supplier – BMW Focus)

Position Summary

The Launch / Change Management Engineer is responsible for leading and executing end-to-end program launches and engineering change processes in alignment with IATF 16949 and BMW Customer-Specific Requirements (CSR).

This role ensures that all product, process, and system changes (4M) are properly evaluated, approved, validated, and implemented without risk to quality, delivery, or customer compliance, while supporting APQP, Safe Launch (GP12), and series production readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Launch & APQP Execution

• Lead plant-level execution of APQP deliverables across all phases (quote → SOP → ramp-up)
• Drive cross-functional readiness (Engineering, Quality, Operations, Materials, IT)
• Track program milestones and ensure all deliverables meet timing and quality targets
• Support equipment readiness, manufacturing strategy, and production ramp-up activities

BMW Change Management (Core Ownership)

• Serve as Change Owner for all engineering and manufacturing changes
• Manage full lifecycle of changes:
  • Identification and classification (product, process, 4M, supplier, SAP/MES)
  • Risk assessment (quality, safety, delivery, cost)
  • Cross-functional review and approval
• Ensure formal approval prior to implementation (no retroactive changes)

BMW CSR / GS Compliance

• Evaluate every change against BMW GS standards and CSR requirements
• Determine need for:
  • Customer notification
  • PPAP / PPA submission
  • PCS/IPQ triggers
• Ensure compliance with:
  • GS 90018 (requalification)
  • GS 91008 (maturity)
  • GS 98001 (readiness)

Product Safety & Special Characteristics

• Ensure proper handling of PSCR-related changes and safety‑critical features
• Verify updates to:
  • DFMEA / PFMEA
  • Control Plans
• Ensure safety approvals are completed before release

Risk Management & Validation

• Lead structured risk analysis for all changes:
  • Quality
  • Delivery
  • Compliance
  • Cost impact
• Define and execute:
  • Trial runs / pilot builds
  • Capability studies (Cp/Cpk, Cm/Cmk)
  • Measurement validation (MSA)

Documentation & System Control

• Ensure all documentation is updated before change release, including:
  • Work Instructions
  • Control Plans
  • Process flows and layouts
  • Inspection plans
  • SAP / MES master data
• Maintain strict version control and traceability

Safe Launch (GP12) & Launch Stability

• Support and enforce BMW Safe Launch (GP12) containment strategy
• Ensure:
  • Standardized inspection processes
  • Defect tracking and escalation
  • Operator training effectiveness
• Drive achievement of zero-defect containment and process stability

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead change and launch reviews with:
  • Quality
  • Engineering
  • Production
  • Logistics
  • IT / SAP / MES
• Act as key interface to:
  • Program Management
  • Customer (BMW) when required

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Support 8D / root cause investigations tied to launches or changes
• Drive lessons learned into future programs (APQP feedback loop)
• Identify systemic gaps in change control and implement corrective actions

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related)

Experience

• 3–7+ years in:
  • Automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
  • Launch / APQP / program management
  • Engineering change management

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
  • IATF 16949 / APQP / PPAP
  • DFMEA / PFMEA / Control Plans
  • BMW CSR and GS standards (highly preferred)
• Experience with:
  • SAP / MES systems
  • BOM / routing changes
  • Change management tools (PLM, ECN systems)

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process or have any questions, please contact HR.