Launch Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Launch Engineer to join our team at Midway Products Group. As a Launch Engineer, you will be responsible for the project launch of manufacturing processes for products, from prototype phase to customer launch and early phases of mass production.

• Facilitate the review and release of product data provided by the customer to the Midway organization and vendors.
• Coordinate kick-off activities for new projects for the Midway organization and vendors.
• Monitor project timing and promote the initiation and closure of open issues.
• Approve process performance based on metrics set at kick-off and initial part quality.
• Support manufacturing through the PPAP process, including submission and approval from the customer.
• Review parts/assembly prints for manufacturing feasibility, cost savings, and timing.
• Prepare request for quote packages (RFQs) to send to tool shops for the design and build of tooling for engineering changes.
• Participate in the advance engineering and planning program as it pertains to assigned parts.
• Act as Midway's Engineering representative to customers.
• Maintain a working relationship with customer engineers to understand part usage and expectations.
• Collaborate with customers on the finalization of GD&T, Locator Drawing, Special and Critical Characteristics.
• Work with customer engineers on manufacturing feasibility issues to achieve a part design that is feasible to make and works for the customer's planned assembly.
• Initiate prototype projects and assist in the processing and delivery of prototype parts.
• Develop spreadsheets to compare quotes with Midway's customer-authorized costs and timing amounts.
• Establish and update Engineering Change Information, Process sheets, Flow charts, and other process engineering documentation for each part.
• Assist in process development and implementation.
• Coordinate with teams to create PFMEA's, operator work instructions, control plans, visual aids, process plans, and corrective actions.
• Facilitate the quoting of engineering changes by sorting through the change, identifying cost drivers, and working with pertinent vendors and manufacturing sites to establish costs to be quoted to the customer.
• Acquire various customer approvals throughout the launch process.
• Maintain the Program Electronic Launch Files.
• Plan, conduct, and direct engineering research and development projects or manufacturing engineering assignments.
• Provide written reports of customer meetings and site visits to vendors.
• Coordinate with other Midway departments to ensure a smooth and timely launch of stamping die tooling, assembly fixtures/equipment, checking fixtures, and product to assigned Midway plant(s).
• Provide launch support to Midway's stamping/assembly plants as required.
• Provide launch support to Midway's customers as required, including communicating information and quotes to customers.
• Provide support for die tool and assembly equipment buy-offs.
• Work with Midway's Purchasing Department in the procurement of materials, components, and services essential to the manufacturing of parts and assemblies for production.
• Work with Quality Departments on the inspection of parts and assemblies produced from standardized assembly operations.
• Able to concept a rough check fixture plan based on review of the part drawing.
• Able to work well in teams and drive the APQP process.
• Uses the APQP Midway gate review process to ensure all entities are completing their tasks on time and properly.
• Must strive to meet all project dates by working with other APQP members to ensure that all countermeasures have been implemented to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Able to take an engineering approach to make dimensional improvements to the part coming off the manufacturing process by directing APQP teams on changes needed in process to produce a good quality part.

• Four-year degree in Engineering or Technical field preferred and/or a four-year Tool and Die Apprenticeship with some technical study at a college level.
• Three years of experience preferred as a Process or Launch Engineer in the automotive stamping industry or a tier one company supplying the same.
• Competent communicator both verbally and in writing.

• Computer literate (Excel, Project, Basic CAD viewer software, etc.).
• Reads and applies GD&T.
• PFMEA Development.
• Gantt Chart reading.
• Experience with OEM specifications and quality systems a plus, but not required.

• Normal office environment.
• Normal shop environment, which includes travel to plant sites; use of personal protection equipment; hazards and conditions typically associated with a manufacturing environment.
• Occasionally required to perform plant operations and tasks, i.e., lifting of parts, subassemblies, and equipment operation.