Launch Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

• Responsible for the project launch of manufacturing process for products (new or engineering change) from prototype phase though customer launch and early phases of mass production. Facilitates the review and release of product data provided by the customer to the Midway organization and vendors.
• Coordinates kick-off activity for new projects for the Midway organization and vendors.
• Monitors project timing and promotes the initiation and closure of open issues.
• Approves process performance based on metrics set at kick-off and initial part quality. Supports manufacturing through PPAP process though submission and approval from customer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Review parts/assembly prints that have been released to Midway for: 1) manufacturing feasibility, 2) process for cost savings, and 3) timing.
• Review and compare released prints to the current print on file to identify any changes in dimensions, specifications, or bill of material or notes.
• Prepare request for quote package (RFQ) to send out to tool shops for the design and build of tooling for engineering changes to produce the released parts.
• Participates as a member in the advance engineering and planning program as it pertains to their assigned parts.
• Acts as Midway's Engineering representative to our customers.
• Maintain a working relationship with the customer engineer in order to fully understand how the part is used and the full expectations regarding part quality.
• Collaborates with the customer on the finalization of GD&T, Locator Drawing, Special and Critical Characteristics.
• Works with the customer engineer on manufacturing feasibility issues in order to achieve a part design that is feasible to make and works for the customer’s planned assembly.
• Initiates prototype projects and assists in the processing and delivery of prototype parts by assuring tools are replicating production process intent and also meet proper level part print specification, provide updated information regarding engineering changes, identify and certify that parts are of acceptable quality before shipment.
• Develops spread sheets to compare quotes with Midway's customer authorized cost and timing amounts.
• Establishes and updates Engineering Change Information, Process sheets, Flow charts, and other process engineering documentation for each part.
• Assist in process development and implementation.
• Coordinates with team to create PFMEA's, operator work instruction, control plans, visual aids, process plan detail and corrective actions.
• Facilitates the quoting of engineering changes by sorting through the change, identifying the cost drivers, and working with pertinent vendors and manufacturing sites to establish costs to be quoted to the customer in order to implement the desired engineering change.
• Acquire various customer approvals where required through-out the launch process.
• Maintain the Program Electronic Launch Files.
• Plans, conducts and directs engineering research and development projects or manufacturing engineering assignments (Example: evaluation of new technology, or Perform DOE on issue part not meeting print)
• Provides written reports of customer meetings and site visits to vendors.
• Coordinates with other Midway departments to ensure a smooth and timely launch of stamping die tooling, assembly fixtures/equipment, checking fixtures and product to the assigned Midway plant(s).
• Provides launch support to Midway's stamping/assembly plants as required.
• Provides launch support to Midway's customers as required, which includes communicating information and at times quotes to customer if directed.
• Provides support for die tool and assembly equipment buy offs.
• Work with Midway 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 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 team on changes needed in process to produce a good quality part.
• Performs other essential engineering functions as assigned.

 JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 experience preferred as Process or Launch Engineer in the automotive stamping industry or a tier one company supplying the same
• Competent communicator both verbal and written

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 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.