PROGRAM LAUNCH ENGINEER

OPmobility SE; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OPmobility (Plastic Omnium) is seeking a Site Launch Engineer to drive the industrialization and successful launch of new programs at the plant. You will serve as the interface between program management, engineering, production, quality, and supply chain to assure timely, cost-effective and quality-compliant launches.

The role requires 4–6 years in manufacturing or program launch, with strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA and control plans, plus experience coordinating cross-functional teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering discipline.
• 4–6 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or program launch; automotive or Tier-1 supplier preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and control plans; understands manufacturing processes and project validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead site-level program launches from SOP readiness through ramp-up with cross-functional teams.
• Industrialization and process readiness: validate production processes, cycle times, line layouts.
• Coordinate central program teams with plant operations; track deliverables and risks; run readiness reviews.
• Ensure quality and compliance: PPAP/APQP, control plans, PFMEA; support trials and validation.
• Monitor ramp-up against targets; drive continuous improvement; maintain SQCD objectives.
• Identify launch risks and manage escalations with timely resolutions.

Skills

APQP & PPAP

PFMEA & Control Plans

Manufacturing processes

Industrial project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Project management tools

Job description

Job Description: Site Launch Engineer Company: OPmobility (Plastic Omnium)

Experience: 4–6 Years

Location: [Insert Location]

Function: Industrial / Manufacturing / Program Launch

Role Overview The Site Launch Engineer is responsible for ensuring the successful industrialization and launch of new programs within the plant. This role acts as a key interface between program management, engineering, production, quality, and supply chain to ensure timely, cost-effective, and quality-compliant project launches.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Program Launch Management Lead site-level activities for new product launches from SOP (Start of Production) readiness through ramp-up. Ensure adherence to OPmobility launch standards, milestones, and reporting systems. Coordinate cross-functional teams (production, quality, logistics, maintenance) for effective launch execution
• 2. Industrialization & Process Readiness Support industrialization of new products and processes within the plant. Validate production processes, cycle times, and line layouts. Ensure manufacturing feasibility and readiness aligned with program timelines
• 3. Project Coordination Act as the primary interface between central program teams and plant operations. Track project deliverables, risks, and mitigation plans. Organize and lead internal launch reviews and readiness meetings
• 4. Quality & Compliance Ensure all quality requirements (PPAP, APQP, control plans, PFMEA) are met before SOP. Support production trial runs, pilot builds, and validation phases. Track launch quality KPIs (scrap rate, defects, rework) and implement corrective actions
• 5. Production Ramp-Up Monitor ramp-up performance against production targets and customer demand. Drive continuous improvement actions to achieve stable production. Ensure adherence to safety, quality, cost, and delivery (SQCD) objectives.
• Risk ManagementIdentify launch risks and develop mitigation plans proactively. Manage escalations and ensure quick resolution of plant-level issues.

Required Qualifications

Education Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering discipline

• Experience 4–6 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or program launch. Experience in automotive or Tier-1 supplier environment preferred
• Skills & Competencies Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans. Understanding of manufacturing processes (injection molding, assembly, painting, etc. preferred). Experience in industrial project management and process validation
• Behavioral Skills Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder management. Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities. High level of accountability and ownership.

Tools & Systems

Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint). Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP preferred). Knowledge of project management tools is an advantage.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

On-time launch deliverySOP readiness complianceRamp-up performance (volume, efficiency)Quality performance during launch phaseCost adherence vs. project budget

Preferred Experience (Added Advantage)

Experience in greenfield/brownfield plant launchesExposure to Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma conceptsExperience working with global OEMs