Manufacturing Launch Engineer

Flex-N-Gate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of components for the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in “Automotive News.” A growing and vital company, Flex-N-Gate provides a great opportunity for hard-working and skilled individuals.

SUMMARY: Primary responsibility is to work with Design and Project Engineers to develop a manufacturable product. Also works to develop and implement manufacturing systems that will produce quality products. Ensures new launch product is ready for manufacturing production launch. Troubleshoot current manufacturing problems and help root cause by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned by your supervisor.

Works with Design and Project Engineers to develop a manufacturable product.

Recommends and completes the purchase or build of secondary tooling fixtures or equipment with appropriate vendor, and ensures production readiness thru qualifications and capability runs.

Assists with development and implementation of automated assembly systems to produce products utilizing various technologies including robotics.

Determine / estimate manufacturing methods for new products with help from manufacturing.

Coordinates and assists in preproduction build events.

Support cost and timing thru the process change system.

Attends and chairs meetings related to product development, product manufacturing concerns and all company related issues.

Develop and maintain Process Flows. Develop and maintain PFMEA’s/RPN reductions. Ensure that high RPN’s on the PFMEA have been addressed/resolved.

Develop initial release of standard work and work instructions with support from the production floor.

Verify/Assist in training of operators on new equipment/processes.

Assists and leads continuous improvement efforts.

Setup and maintain time lines for tracking new manufacturing equipment.

Manage programs from the manufacturing plant side.

Manage issues related to equipment with an open issues list.

Track and manage the availability of prototype and tryout parts.

Support Product Engineering in DFM.

Develop prints/BOM’s for secondary equipment for in-house builds.

Verification that actual process meets flow charts and process layouts.

Verify that PM instructions are complete and available.

Ensure the existence of a Launch Ramp Up Plan.

Verify that all tooling is complete and there are no pending changes that would jeopardize the Launch Ramp Plan.

Hold Launch Review meetings in order to communicate with the affected plant(s).

Investigate Engineering Change Feasibility.

Develops packaging to be used for production and service.

Responsible for the testing and approval of packaging with customers.

Supports and assists company skilled tradesman, engineers and management in resolving production related issues.

Generates corrective and preventive action plans as required.

Communicates procedures and work practices.

Supports development of objectives and targets.

Accepts and performs special projects as required.

Must be flexible for change and be able to work well under deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

Uses Help Chain as needed.

Discusses work-place issues with all associates in a respectful manner looking for positive solutions.

Responsible for maintaining 5S standards as they relate to housekeeping in assigned work area.

Maintains compliance to company policies, work rules, safety & housekeeping standards.

Follow ISO 14001 and TS 16949 Requirements per the standard

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned by your supervisor.

Works with Design and Project Engineers to develop a manufacturable product.

Recommends and completes the purchase or build of secondary tooling fixtures or equipment with appropriate vendor, and ensures production readiness thru qualifications and capability runs.

Assists with development and implementation of automated assembly systems to produce products utilizing various technologies including robotics.

Determine / estimate manufacturing methods for new products with help from manufacturing.

Coordinates and assists in preproduction build events.

Support cost and timing thru the process change system.

Attends and chairs meetings related to product development, product manufacturing concerns and all company related issues.

Develop and maintain Process Flows. Develop and maintain PFMEA’s/RPN reductions. Ensure that high RPN’s on the PFMEA have been addressed/resolved.

Develop initial release of standard work and work instructions with support from the production floor.

Verify/Assist in training of operators on new equipment/processes.

Assists and leads continuous improvement efforts.

Setup and maintain time lines for tracking new manufacturing equipment.

Manage programs from the manufacturing plant side.

Manage issues related to equipment with an open issues list.

Track and manage the availability of prototype and tryout parts.

Support Product Engineering in DFM.

Develop prints/BOM’s for secondary equipment for in-house builds.

Verification that actual process meets flow charts and process layouts.

Verify that PM instructions are complete and available.

Ensure the existence of a Launch Ramp Up Plan.

Verify that all tooling is complete and there are no pending changes that would jeopardize the Launch Ramp Plan.

Hold Launch Review meetings in order to communicate with the affected plant(s).

Investigate Engineering Change Feasibility.

Develops packaging to be used for production and service.

Responsible for the testing and approval of packaging with customers.

Supports and assists company skilled tradesman, engineers and management in resolving production related issues.

Generates corrective and preventive action plans as required.

Communicates procedures and work practices.

Supports development of objectives and targets.

Accepts and performs special projects as required.

Must be flexible for change and be able to work well under deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

Uses Help Chain as needed.

Discusses work-place issues with all associates in a respectful manner looking for positive solutions.

Responsible for maintaining 5S standards as they relate to housekeeping in assigned work area.

Maintains compliance to company policies, work rules, safety & housekeeping standards.

Follow ISO 14001 and TS 16949 Requirements per the standard

• Medical, dental, prescription, vision, life and disability insurance; and a flexible spending account
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Extensive safety training, new hire orientation, continuous learning and development programs and tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays and vacation time

What do our employees have to say?
“It engages you professionally, and provides learning opportunities.”
“Lots of growth opportunity.”
“The company’s young enough to be exciting, but old enough to be stable.”
Not just a job—a great place to work!

Flex-N-Gate is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled.