Launch Manager

AAON, Inc.; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

AAON, Inc. is seeking a Launch Manager to oversee operational readiness for new HVAC products. This role ensures a smooth transition from planning to production by coordinating various aspects of launches including material readiness, workforce planning, and risk management.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in manufacturing. Strong project management and analytical skills are required. Join us in driving innovation in HVAC solutions.

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years of experience leading new product introductions in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in HVAC manufacturing or electro-mechanical production preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional planning and execution for product launches.
• Develop and maintain launch plans and schedules.
• Coordinate material readiness and logistics flow.
• Identify risks and facilitate problem resolution.
• Prepare capacity and performance reporting.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing workflows

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations Management

Tools

Spreadsheets

Visual reporting tools

Job description

Job Description

The Launch Manager leads cross‑functional operational readiness for introducing new or revised heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning products into manufacturing. This position ensures production capabilities, materials, staffing, equipment, quality processes, and facility needs are prepared to support a smooth transition from planning through start of production. The role coordinates detailed readiness activities, monitors risks, resolves issues, and provides data‑driven insights on capacity and performance. The Launch Manager contributes to department objectives by ensuring that product launches meet targets for timing, cost, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross‑functional planning and execution activities to ensure full operational readiness for new product launches or major product changes.
• Develops and maintains launch plans, schedules, stage gates, and readiness criteria to guide teams through planning, pilot builds, and production ramp.
• Coordinates material readiness, workforce planning, equipment and tooling preparation, process validation, quality planning, and logistics flow design.
• Identifies risks and issues, facilitates problem resolution, and drives corrective or recovery actions to maintain launch timelines.
• Prepares capacity, performance, and readiness reporting to support decision‑making and leadership communication.
• Partners with engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, maintenance, and program management teams to achieve launch performance goals.
• Ensures alignment between production needs, facility capabilities, and workforce availability during ramp‑up.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field; 5+ years of experience leading new product introductions or major operational changes in a manufacturing environment; or any combination of education and experience that would provide an equivalent background. Experience in heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning manufacturing or electro‑mechanical production preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills, including planning, tracking, and risk management.
• Ability to analyze operational data, assess capacity, and interpret production and quality performance.
• Skilled in facilitating cross‑functional collaboration and communicating with both shop‑floor teams and leadership.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing workflows, production processes, and continuous improvement methods.
• Ability to develop standard operating procedures, readiness checklists, and documentation supporting production launch.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, visual reporting tools, and basic modeling techniques.

Essential Mental and Physical Functions

• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Ability to adjust priorities quickly and make decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Frequent movement throughout production areas, test environments, and warehouses.
• Ability to observe manufacturing builds and conduct on‑site assessments.
• Extended desk and computer work required for planning, documentation, and reporting.

Work Environment

• Performs work across office, test, and manufacturing floor environments.
• Regular presence near moving mechanical equipment and varying noise levels.
• Exposure to temperature fluctuations, dust, and industrial conditions.
• Compliance with safety policies and use of personal protective equipment as required.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or off‑shift work may be necessary to support critical production activities.
• Occasional travel to suppliers or other facilities may be required.

Company Overview

At AAON and BASX, we’re driven by a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability. Since 1988, AAON has been at the forefront of the HVAC industry, delivering cutting‑edge solutions for commercial and industrial indoor environments. Since joining forces with AAON in 2021, BASX has built on that foundation with highly engineered, custom solutions for critical environments—including cleanrooms, data centers, and laboratories—where precision and reliability matter most. Together, we design and manufacture highly configurable systems tailored to each application, ensuring our customers achieve exceptional efficiency, performance, and long‑term value. Join us in shaping smarter, more sustainable environments for the future.