Launch Manager

Magna International, Inc.; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Powertrain is seeking an experienced Program Launch Lead to drive launches from award through SOP and ramp-up at our Indiana facility. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, and finance to deliver detailed launch plans and milestones.

The role requires 5-7 years in manufacturing or program launches, with a strong focus on APQP/PPAP and production readiness.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing, program launch, or program management within the automotive industry.
• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience (6 additional years of related technical experience).
• Engineering or technical degree strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading program launches in a plant environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production readiness, and APQP/PPAP requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant launch activities from program award through SOP and ramp-up.
• Act as the primary plant interface for launch-related communication with internal teams and program management.
• Coordinate cross-functional launch teams including manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and finance.
• Develop, manage, and execute detailed launch plans, timelines, and deliverables in alignment with GPMS and customer milestones.
• Track and drive closure of open issues related to equipment, tooling, quality, staffing, and materials to ensure launch readiness.
• Support equipment installation, validation, run-offs, and production trials to meet required production and quality targets.
• Ensure completion of APQP deliverables including PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, and PPAP submissions.
• Monitor launch metrics including run-at-rate, scrap, downtime, and OEE; drive corrective actions as needed.
• Escalate risks to leadership and ensure timely resolution of critical issues impacting launch timing or performance.
• Support hiring, training, and readiness of production teams to meet launch requirements.
• Ensure MAFACT principles and standards are implemented throughout launch activities.
• Drive continuous improvement and lessons learned activities post-launch to support future program success.
• Support transition from launch phase to steady-state production, ensuring stability in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems (IATF 16949), safety standards (OSHA/ANSI), and environmental requirements.
• Maintain a strong focus on safe work practices during all launch activities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Program launch

Manufacturing

Cross-functional

APQP/PPAP

OEE tracking

Problem solving

Budget awareness

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

What we offer:

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary:

Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world-class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.

Scope of Position

Responsible for leading all activities required to execute successful program launches from award through start of production (SOP) and stabilization, ensuring targets for timing, quality, cost, and production readiness are achieved. This role coordinates cross-functional teams and serves as the key link between program management and plant operations to drive issue resolution and ensure a smooth transition into steady-state production.

Minimum Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing, program launch, or program management within the automotive industry.
• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience (6 additional years of related technical experience).
• Engineering or technical degree strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading program launches in a plant environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production readiness, and APQP/PPAP requirements.
• Technical knowledge of powertrain systems/components (4WD/AWD, fluid systems, machining, castings, or stampings) preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and ability to learn customer and internal systems.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Financial awareness related to launch budgets, capital, and cost control is an asset.

Job Specific Responsibilities

• Lead all plant launch activities from program award through SOP and ramp-up.
• Act as the primary plant interface for launch-related communication with internal teams and program management.
• Coordinate cross-functional launch teams including manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and finance.
• Develop, manage, and execute detailed launch plans, timelines, and deliverables in alignment with GPMS and customer milestones.
• Track and drive closure of open issues related to equipment, tooling, quality, staffing, and materials to ensure launch readiness.
• Support equipment installation, validation, run-offs, and production trials to meet required production and quality targets.
• Ensure completion of APQP deliverables including PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, and PPAP submissions.
• Monitor launch metrics including run-at-rate, scrap, downtime, and OEE; drive corrective actions as needed.
• Escalate risks to leadership and ensure timely resolution of critical issues impacting launch timing or performance.
• Support hiring, training, and readiness of production teams to meet launch requirements.
• Ensure MAFACT principles and standards are implemented throughout launch activities.
• Drive continuous improvement and lessons learned activities post-launch to support future program success.
• Support transition from launch phase to steady-state production, ensuring stability in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems (IATF 16949), safety standards (OSHA/ANSI), and environmental requirements.
• Maintain a strong focus on safe work practices during all launch activities.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:Regular / PermanentGroup:Magna Powertrain