Process Launch Engineer: Ramp-Up & Process Excellence

Socket.dev; Marion (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

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

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