Launch Program Manager

Job Description

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and coordinate all activities related to new product launches and engineering changes from program award through production stabilization.
• Develop and maintain program launch timelines, ensuring key milestones and customer timing requirements are achieved.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Materials, Maintenance, and Supply Chain throughout the launch process.
• Identify, develop, and implement manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production methods required for new products.
• Establish and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, process flows, control plans, and PFMEAs for new programs.
• Support APQP activities and ensure completion of all customer and internal gateway requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate PPAP submissions to obtain customer approval for production shipments and tooling invoices.
• Lead manufacturing process validation activities, including production trials, pilot builds, run-at-rate events, and capability studies.
• Ensure production systems are capable of meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives prior to Start of Production (SOP).
• Partner with plant leadership to ensure staffing, training, work instructions, and operational readiness requirements are completed.
• Support customer launch reviews, audits, readiness assessments, and plant visits.
• Monitor launch performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address quality, delivery, or operational issues.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities and root cause analysis related to launch challenges.
• Support launch activities on-site at manufacturing facilities and customer locations as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to stabilize production and improve launch performance.
• Document lessons learned and incorporate best practices into future program launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, engineering, program management, or launch management.
• Tier 1 automotive supplier experience preferred.
• Proven experience leading new product launches from development through mass production.
• Demonstrated project leadership and cross-functional team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality and launch systems including:
• APQP
• PPAP
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Process Validation
• Run-at-Rate Activities
• Customer Launch Requirements
• Experience with manufacturing equipment, tooling, process development, and production readiness activities.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers and customer launch teams preferred.

Core Competencies

• Program & Launch Management
• Project Planning and Execution
• Manufacturing Process Development
• APQP / PPAP Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Production Readiness Planning
• Customer Relationship Management
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving
• Continuous Improvement

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, and access production equipment and tooling areas for extended periods.
• Occasional exposure to noise, manufacturing temperatures, and moving equipment.
• Occasional lifting of parts and materials up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent travel required, including overnight stays at customer and manufacturing facilities.