Description
The Manufacturing Launch Lead - Body Construction Engineering (BCE) provides manufacturing engineering leadership across a new model program-from early program phases through plant launch and acceleration-ensuring body construction processes, tooling, facilities, and operator workstations are production-ready, safe, efficient, and capable of delivering dimensional quality at rate. The role leads issue-resolution and launch readiness activities across physical build events, on-site plant support, and supplier/tooling partner engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Launch Leadership
Lead manufacturing engineering execution for Body Construction across the program timeline through launch and early acceleration, driving readiness, exit criteria closure, and cross-functional alignment.
Provide on-site launch support during major build phases and plant execution windows; flex coverage for extended shifts, nights, and alternating weekends as required by build/install schedules.
Tooling, Equipment, & Facility Readiness
Lead body shop / assembly tooling installation, start-up, commissioning, and support tooling buy-off at vendor facilities; drive open tooling/process issues to closure.
Implement new or modified production equipment, operator workstations, and facilities driven by product/process changes; coordinate readiness for throughput and workstation completion.
Build Event Execution & Validation
Support and lead manufacturing assembly build events (e.g., DCV/TT/PP/MP builds) and conduct pre-build validation activities tied to pilot/proto@type build execution.
Process Documentation & Production System Integration
Develop, write, modify, and maintain process sheets / formal assembly process instructions and ensure they are entered/maintained in required systems (e.g., process sheet entry expectations are explicitly called out).
Compile and distribute daily metrics (including "night letter" style reporting and Excel list formats where required), ensuring consistent visibility to the broader launch team.
Issue Resolution, Quality, Cost, & Throughput
Identify and drive resolution of manufacturing-related issues, including daily reporting expectations for issue-tracking metrics referenced for launch support.
Drive plant acceleration throughput by identifying constraints, leading daily acceleration reporting, and coordinating countermeasures to protect launch objectives.
Drive launch improvements in quality, cost, and labor, including continuous improvement actions during launch and acceleration.
Maintain and update PFMEA/SCCAF (as applicable) based on physical build learnings; ensure actions are embedded back into process readiness.
Ensure new tooling/processes meet internal ergonomic guidelines; partner with safety/ergonomics stakeholders to close issues prior to key build gates.
Support error-proofing installation as required and complete preventive maintenance planning and documentation (e.g., M-tasks/spares/industrial material documentation expectations are explicitly called out for new tooling).
Cross-Functional & Supplier Interface
Interface with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product Development, STA, MP&L, plant teams, suppliers) to remove roadblocks, align deliverables, and drive closure plans.
Provide supplier and tooling-vendor oversight from SOW definition through tool buy-off and launch execution where required by the role.
People Leadership
Mentor/supervise supporting manufacturing engineers (including purchased service resources where applicable) and set day-to-day priorities aligned to launch gates and plant needs.
Skills
engineering management, manufacturing operations, launch vehicle, Manufacturing engineering, Final assembly, Tooling, Installation, Process development, body engineering, Body Construction, Process engineering, Manufacturing process
Top Skills Details
engineering management,manufacturing operations,launch vehicle
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, or related) or equivalent relevant experience.
Experience supporting launch environments for new process equipment and/or new model vehicle programs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) for metrics, reporting, and executive-ready presentations.
Ability to operate effectively under timing constraints and work with minimal direct supervision (launch environment expectations).
Experience with virtual manufacturing tools and experience translating virtual validation into robust plant execution.
Tooling, process, quality, and/or facility equipment experience in production environments; commissioning and prove-out exposure.
Working knowledge of statistics (control charts, data collection) and structured problem-solving methods (Six Sigma/Green Belt preferred).
Body construction manufacturability and feasibility assessment using CAD (e.g., weld gun access, joint design considerations, flange lengths, gaps/clearances) where applicable to BCE scope.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Dearborn,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
