Manufacturing Launch Engineer, Secondary Operations Tooling

Where: Troy, Michigan | Engagement: Contract | Work Style: Hybrid | Rate: $50.00–$65.00 per hour (DOE)

Are You The Engineer Who Can

• Embed manufacturing feasibility into product design from a secondary tooling lens—partnering with corporate engineering, plants, and OEM stakeholders?
• Own RFQs, vet quotes, drive sourcing choices, and lead technical discussions that balance timing, cost, and quality?
• Oversee secondary machine/fixture design and builds for new launches—controlling scope, schedule, and budget?
• Run pre-production machine run-offs, validate cycle times, and secure approvals that keep PPAP on track?
• Coach suppliers and internal teams to deliver repeatable processes and targeted OEE?
• Troubleshoot existing lines to close gaps on quality and profitability while upholding OSHA/NFPA/ANSI and corporate standards?
  
  

Travel cadence: Expect periods of heavy travel up to ~35–40% around key launch events; typical travel averages ~20–30% to plants and suppliers.

What you will tackle

• Secondary operations stewardship: heat staking/ultrasonic, hot-plate/IR welding, punching, edge wrapping, vacuum forming.
• Tooling leadership: coordinate suppliers, manage change, and negotiate tooling/engineering-change costs with suppliers and OEM cost analysts.
• Launch support: guide preproduction start-ups at corporate plants and resolve risks quickly to protect program objectives.
• Continuous improvement: elevate methods, materials, and facilities to improve efficiency and quality.
  
  

Skills and experience we value

• BS in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• 7–10 years in machine/fixture design, build, and follow-up for interior automotive trim (floor consoles, instrument panels, hard trim, doors).
• Automotive launch experience with interior programs.
• Project/time management excellence; strong written and verbal communication; Microsoft Office proficiency; adept at juggling multiple priorities.
• Controls exposure a plus (not a must): Allen-Bradley/Siemens PLCs; HMI (RSView, FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition).
• Legacy/industrial networks: DH , DeviceNet, ControlNet, Modbus, Profibus, AS-i.
• Programming/toolchain familiarity: Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000/500, RSView Studio, FactoryTalk View Studio, RSSQL, RSNetWorx.
• Machine controls design/implementation/troubleshooting for North American plants, with global collaboration.
• Independent working style, especially when remote or on the road; effective across all organizational levels; strong personal accountability.
  
  

Impact

Help launch interior trim programs right the first time—delivering manufacturable designs, stable processes, and confident PPAPs.

Important notices

A successful candidate will be subject to a background check and must receive satisfactory results of the same, as a condition of joining the team.

By submitting your application, you confirm the accuracy and completeness of your information. Misrepresentation may result in offer denial/revocation or termination after start.