Program Launch Engineer

Job Title:                     Program Launch Engineer

Department:                Engineering

Reports To:                 Engineering Manager / Supervisor

FLSA Status:               Salary / Exempt

Prepared Date:            11OCTOBER2024

SUMMARY

The CLC Program Launch Engineer is accountable for managing and delivering the Launch of programs, working with the external customer and the internal stakeholders.  The Program Launch Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager or Supervisor, where applicable. The Program Launch Engineer is responsible for protecting the Plant and satisfying the Customer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Responsible for launch aspects of program management for programs.

·       Work closely with the Program Managers to develop and launch the program successfully.

·       Lead launch teams of Manufacturing Engineers / Technicians, Quality, Materials, Operations, and Production.

·       Primary owner of Program Launch Readiness.

·       Schedule and oversee delivery and installation of new launch equipment.

·       Schedule and oversee early program builds.

·       Ensure material is available to support early program builds.

·       Ensure Work Instructions, Production Boards, etc. are in place to support program launch schedule.

·       Manage Program-specific internal communications.  Ensure all associates have the information needed to do their job.  Shield the organization from confusion. 

·       Ensure leadership is informed on program status.

·       Participate in Best Practices process improvements.

·       Support development of work cell layouts.

·       Plan and forecast incoming materials to meet launch timing.

·       Implement continuous improvements identified during Lessons Learned to production processes.

·       Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal laws and statues and other government regulations which are directly applicable to the company.

·       Ensure production process meets quoted process parameters (Cycle Time, Direct Labor, OEE) at time of Run At Rate.

·       Oversee development of standard operational and working practices and observe associates to ensure compliance with standards.

·       Coordinate safety efforts with the Safety Administrator.

·       Keep abreast of industry developments.

·       Support TS16949 Initiatives.

TECHNICAL EXPECTATIONS

·       Understand manufacturing processes.

·       Provide technical support on all product assigned Program launches.

·       Excellent knowledge of manufacturing process, equipment, and tooling.

·       Familiarity with MS Office suite, databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and program timelines.

·       Ability to read blueprints.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

·       Represent CLC as a supplier of choice in terms of competence and commitment.

·       Document responses to the customer in order to ensure agreement on decisions and direction.

·       Participate in resolution of quality concerns.

·       Travel as requested by company and customer. 

COST MANAGEMENT

·       Maximize company profitability while providing high value to the customer.

·       Maintain the confidentiality of the company and its business.

·       Participate in the sourcing of tooling and equipment for new programs, working with the Production Buyer, Tooling Engineer, Quality Engineer & Process Engineer.

·       Advise Program Manager to invoice customer when appropriate.

GENERAL

·       Work independently under direction from leadership. Maintain ownership of program and work effectively with others to co-ordinate all aspects of the job.

·       Observe all company safety rules, policies and procedures.

·       Ensure a high standard of business ethics is maintained.

·       Work in compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949.

·       Perform other duties as determined by the Director of PMO & Estimating.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

·       BS in Engineering, Engineering Technology; or adequate job-related experience in Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Quality, Tool & Die, or other Business function.

·       Excellent problem-solving abilities. 

·       Familiarity with Quality systems.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS

·       Ability to interact with all levels of employees in the organization.

·       Ability to plan and execute Launch activities within the Plant.

·       Ability to lead cross functional teams toward success.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

·       Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. 

·       Ability to clearly write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

·       Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, clients, customers and the general public.  

·       Ability to negotiate toward a preferred solution.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

·       Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

·       Unit conversion is essential.

REASONING ABILITY

·       Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 

·       Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

·       Able to work in both individual and team environments.

·       Able to work in a fast paced, high energy environment.

·       Self-motivated, proactive, and results oriented.

·       Positive attitude and strong work ethic.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.  The associate is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The associate must occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are typical to standard office and manufacturing floor settings with moderate noise levels and high level of activity.  The work will mostly be in a manufacturing environment with occasional work in a climate-controlled environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, and fumes.  The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.