The posting
Launch Coordinator JOB SUMMARY This role is responsible for leading programs from mold tool delivery at the plant through production launch, ensuring assigned projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with customer, quality, and operational requirements. Oversees tool validation and production trials while working closely with Operations to ensure successful tool launches. Supports the completion of PPAP documentation and customer approvals, drives issue resolution, manages project risks, and promotes continuous improvement to achieve customer satisfaction, launch readiness, and operational excellence. REPORTS TO Director of Program Management DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Coordinate Tooling Launch Activities
Coordinate tooling and equipment launch activities from receipt at the plant through production implementation. Maintain project schedules, track milestones, monitor open items, and communicate status to the appropriate internal teams to support successful launch.
Coordinate Customer and Internal Communication
Assist with customer and internal communications following contract award. Prepare project updates, coordinate meetings, track action items, and communicate changes in timing, requirements, and deliverables to the appropriate stakeholders.
Coordinate Cross-Functional Activities
Coordinate activities among Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Operations, and other functional teams. Maintain action-item lists, follow up on outstanding deliverables, and help ensure project requirements and deadlines are clearly understood and met.
Manage Tool Validation and Implementation
Oversee the validation and implementation of tooling, fixtures, gauges, and manufacturing equipment to support production requirements.
Coordinate Tool Trials with Operations
Partner with operations, manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to plan, schedule, and execute tooling trials, ensuring tools meet production requirements and are validated for safe, efficient, and repeatable operation. Ensure all components, including any labels and dunnage, are available.
Support PPAP Documentation and Approval Process
Coordinate PPAP-related activities with Quality, Engineering, Operations, and other applicable functions. Track required documentation, submission dates, open issues, and customer feedback. Assist in maintaining accurate records through final PPAP approval.
Monitor Launch Readiness
Maintain launch-readiness checklists and track completion of tooling, equipment, materials, documentation, training, quality requirements, and other launch deliverables. Identify incomplete or overdue activities and escalate potential launch risks to the appropriate project leader.
Maintain Project Documentation
Maintain accurate project schedules, meeting minutes, action-item lists, status reports, launch documentation, and other project records. Ensure information is current and readily available to project team members and management.
Performs other duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Associate degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant manufacturing experience. 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, quality, project coordination, or production environment. Experience coordinating projects, schedules, action items, or cross-functional activities in a manufacturing environment. Working knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and production launch activities. Basic knowledge of quality systems and AIAG Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and project deliverables. Strong communication and follow-up skills with the ability to effectively coordinate activities across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, Procurement, suppliers, and other functional teams. Strong documentation and computer skills, including the ability to maintain project schedules, status reports, action-item lists, and other project documentation. Ability to identify potential schedule, quality, or launch issues and communicate them promptly to the appropriate project or functional leader.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
3+ years of experience in project coordination, launch coordination, manufacturing engineering, quality, or program support within the automotive or manufacturing industry. Experience supporting Tier 1, Tier 2, or OEM automotive customers. Experience with tooling, fixtures, gauges, manufacturing equipment, or production launch activities. Experience with EPS/EPP molding, injection molding, foam processing, packaging, or similar manufacturing processes. Experience supporting tooling trials, production readiness activities, PPAP submissions, and customer launch requirements. Familiarity with automotive customer-specific requirements and launch processes. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, basic GD&T requirements, customer specifications, and CAD models. Experience using project management, ERP/MRP, or manufacturing software systems. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Industrial Technology, Business, or a related field. Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. Experience with structured problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5-Why, fishbone analysis, or other root-cause-analysis methodologies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Requires working in both office and manufacturing environments. Requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and navigating production and warehouse areas. Requires the ability to lift or carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Requires the ability to wear the required personal protective equipment while in manufacturing areas. Requires occasional travel to customers, suppliers, and EFP locations by car and air, including overnight travel as needed.
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