Manufacturing Launch Manager at American Rheinmetall

JOB SUMMARY:The Manufacturing Launch Manager is responsible for planning coordinating and executing all activities required to successfully introduce new products systems and major engineering changes into production. This role ensures manufacturing readiness from concept through full-rate production driving cross-functional alignment between Engineering Program Management Supply Chain Quality and Production Operations.The ideal candidate has deep experience in new product introduction (NPI/NPD) manufacturing process development factory readiness and launch execution within a complex high-mix low-volume environment such as defense automotive or heavy equipment.Key ResponsibilitiesLaunch Planning & ReadinessLead end-to-end manufacturing launch planning for new products upgrades or major design changes.Develop and maintain launch schedules master timing plans and readiness checklists.Ensure alignment of launch milestones with Program Management Office (PMO) deliverables.Coordinate plant layout changes equipment installations tooling development and material flow planning.Manufacturing Process DevelopmentDefine and validate manufacturing processes work instructions standard operating procedures (SOPs) and control plans.Work with Adv Manufacturing/ Engineering PFMEA activities process capability studies and risk mitigation strategies.Partner with Engineering to ensure DFMA (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly) principles are applied early in product development.Cross-Functional CollaborationServe as the primary liaison between Engineering Operations Quality Supply Chain Logistics and external suppliers during launch.Facilitate daily launch team meetings and report status to leadership and program stakeholders.Work with Supply Chain on supplier readiness long-lead procurement and component qualification.Equipment Tooling & Factory ReadinessOversee Quoting procurement installation validation and ramp-up of production equipment and tooling.Coordinate manpower planning/ hiring plan factory trials pilot builds and production runs to confirm readiness.Drive corrective actions to address manufacturing bottlenecks quality issues or schedule risks.Quality & ComplianceEnsure production processes meet all internal customer and regulatory requirements.Partner with Quality to implement inspection standards gauges and process control systems.Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions (RCA 8D DMAIC etc.) during launch.Ramp-Up & StabilizationMonitor early build performance throughput scrap/rework and process stability.Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost quality and delivery during ramp-up.Lead the transition from launch mode into sustained production.Required QualificationsBachelors degree in mechanical engineering Manufacturing Engineering Industrial Engineering Operations Management or related field.7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering new product introduction launch management or operations within automotive defense aerospace or heavy equipment industries.Proven experience leading major launches or production introductions.Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (welding machining assembly testing integration etc.).Experience with PFMEA control plans GD&T and process capability.Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing scheduling tools.Excellent project management and communication skills.Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced technically complex environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience in DoD or government-regulated manufacturing environments.Familiarity with APQP/PPAP processes or similar launch frameworks.Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).Experience supporting factory layout planning automation integration or digital manufacturing systems.Secret clearance (or ability to obtain).Core CompetenciesLeadership & AccountabilityTechnical Problem SolvingCross-Functional CollaborationProcess DisciplineRisk Identification & MitigationAdaptability in High-Pressure EnvironmentsStrong Communication & Stakeholder ManagementRequired Experience:Manager Key Skills Lean Manufacturing,Six Sigma,Continuous Improvement,ISO 9001,Lean Six Sigma,Management Experience,Manufacturing & Controls,5S,Manufacturing Management,Kaizen,Chemistry,Manufacturing Employment Type : Full Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1