Process Launch Engineer

Company: Optimal Inc.
Location: Sterling Heights
Posted on: January 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Position Summary: This role is for gear machining launch process engineer. You will work jointly with the headquarters launch team and their suppliers to assure the incoming manufacturing line is successfully delivered for all key business metrics for long-term success of OEM. Position Duties: Support Manufacturing Process Engineering activity for Gear machining Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality and productivity Complete all PPAP quality launch documentation Apply engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish and continuously improve manufacturing processes and products Develop action plans as required to investigate and prioritize open issues and verify corrective actions on internal processes and supplier processes Lead and conduct process audits to ensure process discipline is consistent with Powertrain guidelines Conduct job ergonomic evaluations and deliver corrective actions as required Create process and instruction sheets supporting quality methods and processes Deliver capable processes and tools for all gear machining operations Lead variability reduction and lean manufacturing initiatives and best practices Ensure compliance to Plant, Corporate, Governmental and Environmental standards Support ISO 14001 compliance and support internal ISO auditing and compliance as required Identify throughput constraints and drive root cause improvements to achieve Rate of Climb targets Skills Required: Manufacturing Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Processes, Leadership, Communications Skills Preferred: Six Sigma Methodology, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA), Quality Control, powertrain Experience Required: Experience: 5 years of related experience Successful candidate must be able to demonstrate leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal, teambuilding, and communication skills Experience Preferred: Hypoid Bevel process understanding (blanking, milling, grinding, heat treat, shot peening) Quality Assessment tools (QDAS, Minitab) Klingelnburg P40 & Gleason Nano Gear CMM Effective oral and written communication skills Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience 8D and 5Why corrective action and problem solving skills Lean Tools - 5S, Kanban, Poka-yoke, and Value Stream Mapping DMAIC and DMADV (DFSS) Project Methodology experience FMEA, PPAP, and DOEs experience Education Required: High School Diploma / GED Education Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Additional Information: Fully onsite.

Keywords: Optimal Inc., Roseville , Process Launch Engineer, Engineering , Sterling Heights, Michigan