Product Launch Engineer

What To Expect
The Product Launch Engineer is responsible for guiding product design from concept to high-volume manufacturing, overseeing all intermediate stages.

Throughout the program lifecycle, the focus of this role will adapt to meet evolving priorities. The Product Launch Engineer will define program requirements, prepare for launch, and lead build events, while ensuring compliance with Automotive industry standards (APQP, PPAP). During the Early Program Development phase, strategic planning will take precedence, incorporating lessons learned from past product launches and implementing a lightweight change control process. As the program progresses to the Pre-Launch Planning phase, the Product Launch Engineer will transition to full change control, manufacturing readiness, and establishment of the Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM). During Launch, this role will serve as the commodity lead, managing the entire scope from kickoff to execution, and directing cross-functional teams comprising engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain stakeholders.

The Product Launch Engineer must be adept at tackling complex problems of varying scope, while maintaining persistence, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. Building strong relationships with stakeholders is essential for success in this position.

What You'll Do

Launch New Products: Introduce new products into the factory, ensuring program scope, product definition, supply chain readiness, and implementation

Early Program Development: Integrate lessons learned from previous product launches, establish a launch checklist to assess program and factory readiness, and review/revise equipment standards before RFQ. Additionally, develop agile rework procedures and challenge requirements to ensure a solid program foundation

Pre-Launch Planning: Establish MBOM part numbers and structure with design and process engineers. Track product and process deviations, implement full change control, and organize pre-launch activities (incoming part inspection, slow builds, part trials, design iterations). Assess manufacturing readiness (Product Validation, TQP, Material Planning, Production Control, Process, Factory Software, Controls, Quality)

Launch Execution: Oversee and manage various launch activities, including gate reviews, clear-to-builds, change control, part trials, prove run-at-rate during burst builds, equipment validation, design quality reviews (including harmony and AAR, Appearance Approval Reviews), commissioning automation, diagnosing, and debugging EOL issues

Mass Production Scaling: Ramp up mass production to meet aggressive schedules, ensuring high reliability, repeatability, and robustness

Production Change Approval: Review and approve design engineering changes and their compatibility with manufacturing systems

Part Trials and KPI Management: Manage part trials, ensure compliance to PPAP metrics, and track success in areas like safety, quality, and production targets

Cross-Functional Leadership: Participate in and lead program and manufacturing readiness forums, providing updates on status, action plans, and recovery plans as needed

What You'll Bring

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience

Prior automotive engineering experience preferred

Strong understanding of multidiscipline engineering fundamentals

Ability to apply engineering principles to problem-solving

Agile and adaptable, with ability to prioritize tasks based on program milestones and deliverables

Effective communication and leadership skills, with ability to work in ambiguous and undefined environments

Ability to communicate cross-functionally throughout the organization

Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction

Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits

Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution

Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA

Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

LGBTQ+ care concierge services

401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits

Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays

Back-up childcare and parenting support resources

Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance

Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs

Tesla Babies program

Commuter benefits

Employee discounts and perks program

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