What are the responsibilities and job description for the Launch Engineer position at Plasman?
One Company, One Driving Force.
With a rich history dating back over 45 years, Plasman is a leading global automotive and manufacturing company with several locations across North America and Europe. At Plasman, you will work with the world's best and brightest to shape the future of our global company. Our employees come from rich and diverse backgrounds working collectively together for the success of one company. We believe the most impressive thing we’ve built is our workforce. And together, we will accomplish more than ever imagined. ™
We are Plasman. And we are One Driving Force.
Plasman is currently seeking a new member to join our ENGINEERING team as a:
Launch Engineer
(Tier 1 Automotive Supplier – BMW Focus)
Position Summary
The Launch / Change Management Engineer is responsible for leading and executing end-to-end program launches and engineering change processes in alignment with IATF 16949 and BMW Customer-Specific Requirements (CSR).
This role ensures that all product, process, and system changes (4M) are properly evaluated, approved, validated, and implemented without risk to quality, delivery, or customer compliance, while supporting APQP, Safe Launch (GP12), and series production readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Launch & APQP Execution
Education
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process or have any questions, please contact HR.
Thousands of Innovative Minds. One Driving Force
Visit our website at plasman.com to see our capabilities and the culture that creates it.
With a rich history dating back over 45 years, Plasman is a leading global automotive and manufacturing company with several locations across North America and Europe. At Plasman, you will work with the world's best and brightest to shape the future of our global company. Our employees come from rich and diverse backgrounds working collectively together for the success of one company. We believe the most impressive thing we’ve built is our workforce. And together, we will accomplish more than ever imagined. ™
We are Plasman. And we are One Driving Force.
Plasman is currently seeking a new member to join our ENGINEERING team as a:
Launch Engineer
(Tier 1 Automotive Supplier – BMW Focus)
Position Summary
The Launch / Change Management Engineer is responsible for leading and executing end-to-end program launches and engineering change processes in alignment with IATF 16949 and BMW Customer-Specific Requirements (CSR).
This role ensures that all product, process, and system changes (4M) are properly evaluated, approved, validated, and implemented without risk to quality, delivery, or customer compliance, while supporting APQP, Safe Launch (GP12), and series production readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Launch & APQP Execution
- Lead plant-level execution of APQP deliverables across all phases (quote → SOP → ramp-up)
- Drive cross-functional readiness (Engineering, Quality, Operations, Materials, IT)
- Track program milestones and ensure all deliverables meet timing and quality targets
- Support equipment readiness, manufacturing strategy, and production ramp-up activities
- Serve as Change Owner for all engineering and manufacturing changes
- Manage full lifecycle of changes:
- Identification and classification (product, process, 4M, supplier, SAP/MES)
- Risk assessment (quality, safety, delivery, cost)
- Cross-functional review and approval
- Ensure formal approval prior to implementation (no retroactive changes)
- Evaluate every change against BMW GS standards and CSR requirements
- Determine need for:
- Customer notification
- PPAP / PPA submission
- PCS/IPQ triggers
- Ensure compliance with:
- GS 90018 (requalification)
- GS 91008 (maturity)
- GS 98001 (readiness)
- Ensure proper handling of PSCR-related changes and safety-critical features
- Verify updates to:
- DFMEA / PFMEA
- Control Plans
- Ensure safety approvals are completed before release
- Lead structured risk analysis for all changes:
- Quality
- Delivery
- Compliance
- Cost impact
- Define and execute:
- Trial runs / pilot builds
- Capability studies (Cp/Cpk, Cm/Cmk)
- Measurement validation (MSA)
- Ensure all documentation is updated before change release, including:
- Work Instructions
- Control Plans
- Process flows and layouts
- Inspection plans
- SAP / MES master data
- Maintain strict version control and traceability
- Support and enforce BMW Safe Launch (GP12) containment strategy
- Ensure:
- Standardized inspection processes
- Defect tracking and escalation
- Operator training effectiveness
- Drive achievement of zero-defect containment and process stability
- Lead change and launch reviews with:
- Quality
- Engineering
- Production
- Logistics
- IT / SAP / MES
- Act as key interface to:
- Program Management
- Customer (BMW) when required
- Support 8D / root cause investigations tied to launches or changes
- Drive lessons learned into future programs (APQP feedback loop)
- Identify systemic gaps in change control and implement corrective actions
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related)
- 3–7 years in:
- Automotive manufacturing (Tier 1 preferred)
- Launch / APQP / program management
- Engineering change management
- Strong knowledge of:
- IATF 16949 / APQP / PPAP
- DFMEA / PFMEA / Control Plans
- BMW CSR and GS standards (highly preferred)
- Experience with:
- SAP / MES systems
- BOM / routing changes
- Change management tools (PLM, ECN systems)
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process or have any questions, please contact HR.
Thousands of Innovative Minds. One Driving Force
Visit our website at plasman.com to see our capabilities and the culture that creates it.