Process Launch Engineer

AW Technical Center USA; Marion (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

AW Technical Center USA in Marion, Illinois is looking for a Manufacturing Process Launch Engineer to drive new product and process introductions. This role involves collaboration with design and quality teams to ensure factory readiness and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree and 5-10 years of experience in an engineering role within the automotive industry. Proficiency in process validation and equipment standards is essential.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to prioritize workload are vital for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 3-5 years in an engineering role in automotive.
• 5-10 years in an engineering role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive all operational aspects of new product/process introductions.
• Define, document, and validate new processes.
• Monitor yields and scrap, lead responses to issues.

Skills

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

Effective trouble‑shooting skills

Strong hands-on ability

Capable of reading and understanding schematics

Computer skills: Excel, Word, Email, Power Point, Solidworks

PLC programming experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree with minimum 3-5 years experience in engineering

5-10 years experience in an engineering role in the automotive industry

Tools

Excel

Word

Power Point

Solidworks

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. Perform other 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, Solidworks.
• PLC programming experience.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

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

• Standing (0–33%)
• Walking (0–33%)
• Sitting (0–33%)
• Lifting (weight 40 lb) (0–33%)
• Heaviest Weight Lifted (40 lb) (0–33%)
• Carrying (weight 40 lb) (0–33%)
• Heavy Weight Carried (40 lb) (0–33%)
• Pushing/Pulling (0–33%)
• Weight Pushed/Pulled (40 lb) (0–33%)
• Climbing (0–33%)
• Balancing (0–33%)
• Bending/Stoop (0–33%)
• Crawling (0–33%)
• Reaching (0–33%)
• Reach Above Shoulder (0–33%)
• Work Above Shoulder (0–33%)
• Walk on Uneven Ground (0–33%)
• Fine Manipulation (0–33%)
• Gross Manipulation (0–33%)
• Simple Grasping (0–33%)
• Power Grip (0–33%)
• Hand Twisting (0–33%)
• Twisting of body (0–33%)
• Kneeling (0–33%)
• Crouching (0–33%)