ur Engineering team is looking for a
Launch Manager. We are looking for a dynamic and driven candidate who is interested in joining a fast-growing global company in the automotive sector.
The Launch Manager leads all activities related to the introduction of new automotive products and programs, ensuring launches are completed on time, within budget, and meet customer quality requirements. This position coordinates cross-functional teams and serves as the primary escalation point during the launch phase.
1. New Project Transfer & Launch Management
- Lead the transfer of new programs from Minth China R&D/Program teams to the US new plant
- Organize and lead cross-functional launch team (manufacturing engineering, quality, supply chain, production) to prepare for new program launch
- Develop and maintain comprehensive launch timelines aligned with customer milestones and plant readiness
- Ensure completion of all launch deliverables: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and safe launch plans
2. Plant Readiness & Trial Production
- Lead plant-side process planning, line layout validation, and production trial runs
- Coordinate plant resources (personnel planning, material readiness, new equipment/ tooling/ fixture transfer, acceptance, and commissioning)
- Organize plant team training prior to launch and participate in production line acceptance
- Lead trial production builds, validate process parameters, optimize processes, and conduct capability studies
3. Cross-functional Coordination
- Serve as primary point of contact between China program team and US plant operations
- Lead regular launch review meetings, track open issues (LOP), escalate high-risk items to management
- Coordinate with supply chain to ensure component readiness for pilot and ramp-up builds
4. Quality & Customer Deliverables
- Lead PPAP submission and obtain customer production approval
- Drive resolution of quality issues and customer complaints during launch phase
- Ensure all customer-specific requirements are understood and met
5. Post-Launch Support & Ramp-Up
- Lead plant team to resolve launch issues and achieve production readiness metrics
- Support first 30-90 days of production to ensure stable quality and capacity ramp-up
- Document lessons learned and best practices for future launches
- Manage engineering changes post-launch
6. Cost & Budget Management
- Control project costs within budget, and achieve optimal profitability targets
- Track and report launch-related expenses
To be a qualified candidate, you must meet the following:- Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Mechanical, Automotive, or related technical field
- Experience - minimum 5-8 years of project management experience in automotive manufacturing
- Must have experience in new project introduction to manufacturing plants (Required)
- Automotive parts industry experience, preferably with battery enclosures / structural components
- Strong understanding of automotive project development process (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans)
- Familiar with TS16949/IATF16949 quality system
- Knowledge of relevant processes: aluminum extrusion, welding, machining, surface treatment, assembly
- Language: English proficiency required for daily communication with US plant team, customers, and Minth China
Key to being successful in this role: - PMP certification
- Experience launching new plants or production lines (greenfield or brownfield)
- Experience with US or European OEM customers
- Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese (to interface with China program teams)
