Product Engineer

AT3 Professional Solutions is excited to partner with a well-established precision manufacturing company to identify an experienced Engineer – Product Launch / Program Manager to lead new programs from award through stable, production-ready manufacturing.

This role will own the full product launch lifecycle, driving the APQP process, coordinating cross functional teams, managing suppliers and capital equipment installation timelines, and serving as a key customer interface throughout the launch process. The ideal candidate will combine a strong mechanical engineering foundation with formal program management experience in the automotive and/or aerospace industries , along with a proven ability to take projects from concept and quotation through a validated, production-ready process — on time and on budget.

This is a proactive, self-directed opportunity for an engineer who can effectively manage multiple concurrent programs, work cross-functionally, and drive projects forward with minimal oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Launch Management

• Lead new product launches and programs from award through PPAP approval and stable production, owning timelines, budgets, milestones, and deliverables.
• Establish and manage program plans, gate/phase reviews, and open-issue tracking to ensure launches remain on schedule.
• Serve as the primary program interface with customers throughout the launch process, managing engineering changes, deviations, and status communications.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including programming, quality, production, and purchasing to meet launch targets.

APQP & Quality Planning

• Drive the APQP process, including process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, and control plans.
• Manage PPAP submissions and approvals, including First Article Inspection (FAI / AS9102) and run-at-rate/capacity studies.
• Ensure launched processes are capable, documented, and compliant with applicable customer and industry quality standards, including IATF 16949 and/or AS9100 .
• Manage suppliers and outside-processing sources supporting new programs, including tooling and fixture vendors.
• Own capital equipment procurement, installation timelines, and qualification through production readiness.
• Track and coordinate long-lead items to ensure materials, tooling, equipment, and other resources are available ahead of launch milestones.
• Partner with quoting and programming teams to assess manufacturing feasibility and develop accurate quotes for complex parts and new business.
• Lead design-for-manufacturability (DFM) reviews with customers and internal teams.
• Evaluate project requirements, manufacturing processes, resources, and timing to identify potential risks and opportunities early in the development process.

Documentation & Reporting

• Create and maintain launch documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor and report program status, launch metrics, milestones, and financial performance to leadership.
• Maintain clear documentation and communication throughout the product launch process.

Training & Development

• Support and mentor engineering staff and co-ops on program management and product launch methodologies.
• Help develop and continuously improve product launch and APQP processes.
• Contribute to building standardized processes and best practices for future program launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of engineering experience , including applicable co-op experience, with program/project management experience supporting new product launches.
• Experience in the automotive and/or aerospace industries preferred, ideally within a precision machining company, job shop, or similar manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of APQP and core quality tools, including PFMEA, control plans, PPAP, and FAI / AS9102.
• Familiarity with quality management systems such as IATF 16949 and/or AS9100 .
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate projects from concept and quotation through a validated, production-ready launch.
• Experience managing suppliers and coordinating capital equipment installation and qualification timelines.
• Working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Strong cross-functional communication, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems; JobBOSS experience is a plus .
• Proficiency with CAD software, preferably Fusion , and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple concurrent programs with minimal oversight.