Process Launch Engineer

Socket.dev

Marion (IL)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 110,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Manufacturing Process Launch Engineer to lead new product/process introductions, validate processes, and ensure equipment and quality standards are met. You will own the ramp-up to achieve quality, cost, and schedule targets on the manufacturing floor.

The role requires strong cross-functional collaboration with Design, Quality, Manufacturing, and Maintenance, plus detailed data analysis, documentation, and training to enable smooth pre-production launches and continuous

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree is REQUIRED.
OR A two-year associate degree with 3-5 years’ experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
OR 5-10 years' experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
Experience leading new product/process introductions is expected.
Strong cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving skills are essential.

Responsibilities

Drive all operational aspects of new product/process introductions and major changes, acting as the single manufacturing owner during ramp-up.
Define, document, and validate new assembly, molding, welding, and testing processes, ensuring equipment and fixtures meet standards.
Work with Design, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance and other groups to meet validation and implementation targets.
Monitor yields, scrap, throughput and downtime; lead rapid response and corrective actions.
Conduct capability studies (Cp, Cpk) and interpret data to drive process stability.
Prepare documentation and ensure smooth handoffs to production teams.
Capture lessons learned and implement standardized improvements for future launches.
Write process design specifications; analyze blueprints and interpret technical data.

Skills

Prioritization

Planning

Detail oriented

Team collaboration

Machine mechanics

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Excel

SolidWorks

PLC programming

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree + 3-5 years automotive engineering

5-10 years automotive engineering experience

Tools

SolidWorks

PLC programming

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

A Manufacturing Process Launch Engineer manages new product/process introductions and changes, working with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless factory readiness by validating processes, equipment, and quality standards, focusing on new process/product launches through robust planning, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement, acting as the key manufacturing owner during ramp‑up to achieve quality, cost, and schedule targets.

Perform detailed and complex job functions (ie. normal course of business activities). Investigate and recommend ways to improve efficiency in manufacturing, daily job activities on the manufacturing floor. May be required to work off shift schedule when necessary and needed for manufacturing support, startups, new line set ups and manufacturing downtime issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership: Drive all operational aspects of new product/process introductions and major changes, acting as the single manufacturing owner during ramp‑up.
Process Development & Validation: Define, document, and validate new assembly, molding, welding, and testing processes, ensuring equipment and fixtures meet standards. (PV Process)
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Design, Quality, Manufacturing, Maintenance, and other Project Support Groups to meet all validation and implementation targets.
Quality & Performance Monitoring: Monitor yields, scrap, throughput, and downtime, leading rapid response to issues and implementing corrective actions (e.g., using 8D, 5 Whys).
Data Analysis: Conduct capability studies (Cp, Cpk) and interpret data to drive process stability.
Documentation & Handoff: Prepare documentation and ensure smooth transitions (handoff) to standard production teams.
Continuous Improvement: Capture lessons learned and implement standardized improvements for future launches.
Write process design specifications.
Analyze blueprints and interpret technical data.
Implement engineering plans by evaluating current situations.
Handle capital expenditure budget acquisition and control. Performother duties as assigned to ensure achievement of section, department, or company plan.
Develop schedule and coordinate activities of machinery and tooling suppliers.
Design equipment layouts for individual lines, cells, and zones.
Oversee manufacturing of product for pre‑production trials.
Train manufacturing/maintenance members on new and improved processes.
Perform other duties as assigned to ensure achievement of section, department, or company plan.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to prioritize workload.
Effective planning and implementation skills.
Detail oriented.
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Knowledge of machine mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, and materials.
Effective trouble‑shooting skills.
Strong “hands‑on” ability.
Capable of reading and understanding schematics.
Computer skills, Excel, Word, Email, Power Point, Solid works.
PLC programming experience.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A bachelor's degree is REQUIRED.
OR
An associate's degree with minimum 3-5 years’ experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.
OR
5-10 years' experience in an engineering related role in the automotive industry.

ORGANIZATIONAL (AND OUTSIDE) RELATIONSHIPS

Customer
Design
Manufacturing
Maintenance
Quality
Advanced Launch
Quality Control
OMC
Production Control
etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office/Desk
Manufacturing Floor
Occasional Travel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.