Launch Tooling Engineer

Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated and technically driven Launch Tooling Engineer to support new product launches, tooling readiness, and manufacturing start-up activities within our automotive manufacturing facility. The Launch Tooling Engineer is responsible for coordinating tooling development, validation, implementation, and optimization activities to ensure successful program launches that meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. This position serves as a critical liaison between Engineering, Production, Tool Room, Quality, Program Management, Suppliers, and Maintenance teams to ensure all tooling systems are designed, validated, and production-ready prior to launch. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of injection molds, tooling systems, APQP methodologies, process validation, and automotive manufacturing requirements. Duties and Responsibilities Lead tooling activities for new program launches from concept through production implementation. Coordinate tooling design reviews, manufacturing feasibility assessments, and supplier communications to ensure tooling meets production requirements. Manage tooling timelines, launch milestones, and program deliverables to support successful product launches. Oversee tooling procurement, fabrication, qualification, and installation activities for new manufacturing programs. Coordinate mold tryouts, tooling runoff events, validation activities, and production readiness assessments. Support APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and launch documentation requirements related to tooling and manufacturing processes. Collaborate with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams to ensure tooling is optimized for safety, quality, and productivity. Monitor tooling performance during launch phases and implement corrective actions to address quality, cycle-time, process, or reliability concerns. Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts related to tooling design, mold functionality, dimensional concerns, and production issues. Coordinate engineering changes, tooling modifications, and continuous improvement activities throughout launch and production phases. Support mold qualification, capability studies, validation plans, and process acceptance criteria. Ensure tooling meets customer specifications, quality standards, and manufacturing requirements before production release. Work closely with tool shops, equipment suppliers, and external vendors to ensure timely completion of tooling deliverables. Develop and maintain launch tooling documentation, validation records, maintenance recommendations, and tooling standards. Track tooling performance metrics, launch readiness indicators, and corrective action plans. Support capacity planning, tooling optimization, spare component requirements, and long-term tooling strategies. Participate in design reviews and manufacturability assessments to…