Manufacturing Launch Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Manufacturing Launch Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all activities required to successfully introduce new products, systems, and major engineering changes into production. This role ensures manufacturing readiness from concept through full-rate production, driving cross-functional alignment between Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, Quality, and Production Operations.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in new product introduction (NPI/NPD), manufacturing process development, factory readiness, and launch execution within a complex, high-mix, low-volume environment such as defense, automotive, or heavy equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Launch Planning & Readiness

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing launch planning for new products, upgrades, or major design changes.

• Develop and maintain launch schedules, master timing plans, and readiness checklists.

• Ensure alignment of launch milestones with Program Management Office (PMO) deliverables.

• Coordinate plant layout changes, equipment installations, tooling development, and material flow planning.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Define and validate manufacturing processes, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and control plans.

• Work with Adv Manufacturing/ Engineering PFMEA activities, process capability studies, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Partner with Engineering to ensure DFMA (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly) principles are applied early in product development.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Logistics, and external suppliers during launch.

• Facilitate daily launch team meetings and report status to leadership and program stakeholders.

• Work with Supply Chain on supplier readiness, long-lead procurement, and component qualification.

Equipment, Tooling & Factory Readiness

• Oversee Quoting, procurement, installation, validation, and ramp-up of production equipment and tooling.

• Coordinate manpower planning/ hiring plan, factory trials, pilot builds, and production runs to confirm readiness.

• Drive corrective actions to address manufacturing bottlenecks, quality issues, or schedule risks.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure production processes meet all internal, customer, and regulatory requirements.

• Partner with Quality to implement inspection standards, gauges, and process control systems.

• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions (RCA, 8D, DMAIC, etc.) during launch.

Ramp-Up & Stabilization

• Monitor early build performance, throughput, scrap/rework, and process stability.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost, quality, and delivery during ramp-up.

• Lead the transition from launch mode into sustained production.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, new product introduction, launch management, or operations within automotive, defense, aerospace, or heavy equipment industries.

• Proven experience leading major launches or production introductions.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, machining, assembly, testing, integration, etc.).

• Experience with PFMEA, control plans, GD&T, and process capability.

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing scheduling tools.

• Excellent project management and communication skills.

• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, technically complex environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in DoD or government-regulated manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with APQP/PPAP processes or similar launch frameworks.

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).

• Experience supporting factory layout planning, automation integration, or digital manufacturing systems.

• Secret clearance (or ability to obtain).

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Accountability

• Technical Problem Solving

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Process Discipline

• Risk Identification & Mitigation

• Adaptability in High-Pressure Environments

• Strong Communication & Stakeholder Management