What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Engineer position at Innotec?
Role: Launch Engineer
Location: Zeeland, MI
ABOUT INNOTEC
Solve Complex Problems. Launch Innovative Products. Think Like an Owner.
At Innotec, launching a new product is more than managing a project timeline. It's about bringing together engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and customers to successfully move concepts into production.
As a Launch Engineer, you'll lead critical product launches from development through production startup. You'll coordinate cross-functional teams, solve technical challenges, drive process improvements, and ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and to customer expectations.
Because Innotec is an employee-owned company (ESOP), you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the business while sharing in its long-term success.
WHY ENGINEERS CHOOSE INNOTEC
Ownership Means Something Here
As an employee-owner, your success contributes directly to the success of the company. We value people who take initiative, solve problems, and think beyond the task at hand.
Lead Meaningful Product Launches
You'll play a critical role in bringing innovative products and manufacturing processes to life, working from concept through production launch.
Make an Immediate Impact
Your decisions will influence product performance, launch timing, manufacturing readiness, customer satisfaction, and operational success.
Work Across Functions
Collaborate daily with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, tooling, product development, sales, suppliers, and customers to drive results.
Grow Your Technical and Leadership Skills
Gain exposure to product design, manufacturing processes, APQP, validation, automation, continuous improvement, and project leadership.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Lead new product introduction (NPI) and launch activities from development through production startup.
- Coordinate launch timelines, deliverables, resources, and cross-functional activities to achieve successful program execution.
- Partner with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and suppliers to identify and resolve technical and operational risks.
- Drive product and process readiness activities, including validation, testing, tooling, and manufacturing implementation.
- Monitor launch performance and proactively address issues impacting timing, quality, cost, or customer requirements.
- Support product and process design reviews to ensure robust solutions and successful production implementation.
- Facilitate communication between internal teams and customers regarding launch status, key milestones, and risk mitigation plans.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on launch execution, process efficiency, product quality, and operational performance.
- Support production startup activities and drive achievement of post-launch performance targets.
- Track and manage launch-related documentation, action items, and customer deliverables.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
During your first 6-12 months, you will:
- Improve launch execution through strong coordination, planning, and communication.
- Advance product and process designs that support "Works Right the First Time" performance.
- Successfully support key launch programs while meeting critical customer milestones.
- Drive measurable improvements to launch processes and team effectiveness.
- Establish strong partnerships across engineering, operations, quality, and commercial teams.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
- 7 years of experience leading engineering projects, product launches, or program management initiatives
- Demonstrated success leading new product launches and cross-functional projects.
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand products, manufacturing processes, and system interactions.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience within plastics manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, automotive, commercial vehicle, or durable goods industries.
- Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, validation testing, and quality systems.
- Experience working with customers, suppliers, and global teams.
- Product design and manufacturing process development experience.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
YOU'LL THRIVE HERE IF YOU
- Are highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Enjoy solving complex problems and working through ambiguity.
- Think at both the system level and the technical detail level.
- Take ownership and follow through on commitments.
- Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Balance urgency with sound decision-making.
- Are naturally curious and driven to understand root causes.
- Influence others through collaboration, credibility, and leadership.
WHY INNOTEC?
At Innotec, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful engineering challenges while helping bring innovative products to market. You'll join a collaborative team that values accountability, continuous improvement, technical excellence, and ownership.
Most importantly, you'll join a company where you're more than an employee.
You're an owner.
If you're looking for an engineering career that offers challenge, visibility, impact, and growth, we'd love to hear from you.