Launch Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary:

We are looking for a Launch Engineer to support product and process changes across our automotive manufacturing operations. This role is essential to ensuring smooth launches and effective implementation of changes related to product design, tooling, customer requirements, and supplier inputs. They will contribute to quality improvement and cost reduction efforts through continuous improvement strategies, process analysis, and hands-on problem solving. The Launch Engineer will assist in developing and refining chemical processing methods and collaborate closely with line technicians—providing training, direction, and support to maintain high standards of efficiency and product quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish standard operating procedures to control the variable conditions involved in producing salable parts.
• Knowledge of all machine capabilities and raw material characteristics.
• Determine the most efficient combination of material, process and machine to produce salable parts at least cost.
• Recommend changes to the manufacturing processes methods and procedures to upgrade quality and quantity of products and/or line operating efficiencies.
• Coordinates activities with Production, Production Control, Maintenance, Internal Logistics, Supply Chain, IT, Continuous Improvement, Human Resource Development, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering to meet company objectives of lowest cost, highest quality products.
• Compile necessary economic justification date for recommended equipment or process improvements and evaluates new equipment for possible use to improve quality, cost and line operating efficiencies and negotiate with customer for approvals and cost recovery.
• Conducts and/or assists with the trials for evaluation of new materials or processes evaluation of new materials or processes required for customer and/or internal approvals.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Makes recommendations on materials and processes to improve profitability of manufacturing process.
• Aid in resolution of open issues.

Environmental, Health & Safety:

• Support the protection of the environment, personal safety, prevention of pollution and the continual improvement of the Environmental Management System.  
• Providing leadership to plant team in preventing accident and ensure compliance with OSHA and EPA/TCEQ standards.  This includes continuously monitoring the workplace for hazardous environmental, health, and safety conditions.
• Ensure environmental, health and safety hazards are corrected, eliminated or guarded as related to the Engineering team.
• Within scope of responsibilities assessing engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE on an on-going basis.
• Assisting in the investigation of accidents. 
• Having the authority to: Stop and prevent unsafe actions; stop the use of unsafe equipment and tools, stop work and/or have employees leave the work area.
• Ability to participate in investigation of near misses and other environmental/safety-related incidents that have occurred.
• Ensure that all department related incident reports are completed in a timely and accurate manner.

Customer Requirements:

• Must understand and comply with all applicable Customer Specific Requirements (SQAM).

Education and Experience:

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or its equivalent.
• 2–3 years of experience in assembly or a closely related manufacturing environment.
• Experience in engineering disciplines such as manufacturing, mechanical design, quality, and/or supply chain strongly preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Must be familiar with appropriate software programs (AutoCad, ERP programs). 
• Candidate has the ability to create visual aids for communication purposes.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, blueprints and procedure manuals.
• This is a strictly on-site position with overtime as necessary.
• This job requires lifting parts, coordinating trials, tracking shipments, and walking long distances.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word).

PRIMARY LOCATION