Manufacturing Launch Engineer

The Manufacturing Launch Lead – Body Construction Engineering (BCE) offers manufacturing engineering leadership across new model programs, from early phases through plant launch and acceleration. This role ensures body construction processes, tooling, facilities, and operator workstations are production-ready, safe, efficient, and capable of delivering dimensional quality at scale. The position requires leading issue-resolution and launch readiness activities across physical build events, on-site plant support, and supplier/tooling partner engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing engineering execution for Body Construction across the program timeline through launch and early acceleration, ensuring readiness, exit criteria closure, and cross-functional alignment.
• Provide on-site launch support during major build phases and plant execution windows, with flexibility for extended shifts, nights, and alternating weekends as required by build/install schedules.
• Lead body shop and assembly tooling installation, start-up, commissioning, and support tooling buy-off at vendor facilities; drive closure of open tooling and process issues.
• Implement new or modified production equipment, operator workstations, and facilities driven by product/process changes; coordinate readiness for throughput and workstation completion.
• Support and lead manufacturing assembly build events and conduct pre-build validation activities tied to pilot/prototype build execution.
• Develop, write, modify, and maintain process sheets and formal assembly process instructions; ensure they are entered/maintained in required systems.
• Compile and distribute daily metrics, ensuring consistent visibility to the broader launch team.
• Identify and drive resolution of manufacturing-related issues, including daily reporting expectations for issue-tracking metrics referenced for launch support.
• Drive plant acceleration throughput by identifying constraints, leading daily acceleration reporting, and coordinating countermeasures to protect launch objectives.
• Drive launch improvements in quality, cost, and labor, including continuous improvement actions during launch and acceleration.
• Maintain and update PFMEA/SCCAF based on physical build learnings; ensure actions are embedded back into process readiness.
• Ensure new tooling/processes meet internal ergonomic guidelines; partner with safety/ergonomics stakeholders to close issues prior to key build gates.
• Support error-proofing installation as required and complete preventive maintenance planning and documentation for new tooling.
• Interface with cross-functional teams to remove roadblocks, align deliverables, and drive closure plans.
• Provide supplier and tooling-vendor oversight from SOW definition through tool buy-off and launch execution as required.
• Mentor and supervise supporting manufacturing engineers and set day-to-day priorities aligned to launch gates and plant needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, or related) or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5 years experience supporting launch environments for new process equipment and/or new model vehicle programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) for metrics, reporting, and executive-ready presentations.
• Ability to operate effectively under timing constraints and work with minimal direct supervision in a launch environment.
• Experience with virtual manufacturing tools and translating virtual validation into robust plant execution.
• Tooling, process, quality, and/or facility equipment experience in production environments; commissioning and prove-out exposure.
• Working knowledge of statistics (control charts, data collection) and structured problem-solving methods (Six Sigma/Green Belt preferred).
• Body construction manufacturability and feasibility assessment using CAD (e.g., weld gun access, joint design considerations, flange lengths, gaps/clearances) where applicable to BCE scope.

• Experience leading projects within an automotive launch, ideally Automotive Tooling within Body Construction.
• Experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Final Assembly, Tooling, Installation, Process Development, Body Engineering, Body Construction, Process Engineering, and Manufacturing Process.

This role requires travel and on-site plant support, including travel to suppliers for buyoff activities, primarily in the southeast Michigan area. During build events and install/commissioning phases, 12-hour shifts may be required, along with night and weekend support on alternating weekends. The Launch Support Manufacturing Supervisor reports to on-site supervisors, who report to the Manufacturing Program Chief Engineer. This position offers significant exposure and career-defining opportunities, with potential for greater scope and future leadership roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Dearborn,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $45 - $65