Manufacturing Launch Engineer - APQP & New Programs

IFABCORP; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

IFAB Corp. in Gastonia, NC is seeking a Project Engineer – Manufacturing to own product launches from concept to production.

You will drive APQP activities, manage timelines, and coordinate between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to assure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets. You will develop PFMEA, Process Flows, and Control Plans, lead PPAP submissions, and support DFM/DFA practices on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive, aerospace, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and quality systems within ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 frameworks.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, GD&T, specifications, BOMs, and routings.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Sage, SAP, or similar).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end APQP activities for new product launches involving stamped, formed, welded, machined, and coated components.
• Own program timelines, milestones, risk tracking, and launch readiness, ensuring all deliverables meet customer and internal requirements.
• Develop and maintain core APQP documentation including PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, and Control Plans in collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Manage full PPAP submission process (Levels 1–5 as required), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and on-time customer approvals.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned programs, providing regular updates, managing expectations, and resolving technical or timing issues.
• Coordinate with tooling vendors, raw material suppliers, and outside processing partners to ensure readiness aligned with production schedules.
• Drive manufacturability reviews (DFM/DFA) and support process design, including fixture development, tooling validation, and capacity planning.
• Lead cross-functional launch meetings, track open issues, and ensure timely closure of risks related to quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support production ramp-up by troubleshooting process issues, reducing variation, and ensuring stable, repeatable manufacturing conditions.
• Monitor early production performance metrics (scrap, rework, first-pass yield, customer complaints) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 standards and customer-specific requirements throughout the launch lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate ERP/MRP system data including BOMs, routings, and project cost tracking.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, applying Lean and Six Sigma principles to optimize processes.
• Spend significant time on the production floor collaborating with operators, supervisors, and quality teams to ensure successful execution.

Skills

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Bilingual EN/ES

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Sage ERP

SAP

Job description

IFAB Corp. in Gastonia, NC is seeking a Project Engineer – Manufacturing to own product launches from concept to production.

You will drive APQP activities, manage timelines, and coordinate between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to assure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets. You will develop PFMEA, Process Flows, and Control Plans, lead PPAP submissions, and support DFM/DFA practices on the shop floor.