Launch Engineer (Automotive)

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level. You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

For a quicker response, send your resume to Leo.Stephen@alten.com or apply directly on LinkedIn! 🚀

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Prototype Build & Launch Engineer to lead and coordinate prototype build activities across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain functions. This role requires strong ownership, technical understanding, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced prototype and pre-production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Prototype Build Execution

• Coordinate prototype build activities across engineering, manufacturing, and external suppliers
• Ensure readiness of build facilities, tooling, fixtures, and required resources for upcoming builds
• Lead daily build stand-ups and drive cross-functional issue resolution
• Oversee prototype assembly to ensure alignment with engineering requirements
• Provide real-time support to technicians with drawings, CAD data, and work instructions
• Identify, track, and escalate build issues to engineering and program leadership
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and shop floor best practices

Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Support development and continuous improvement of work instructions and standardized build processes
• Define and refine process flows and build sequences for prototype activities
• Capture shop floor feedback and translate it into actionable improvements
• Validate tooling and fixture readiness prior to build execution

Parts & Supplier Coordination

• Track prototype parts availability and coordinate with supply chain to meet build timelines
• Manage part shortages, substitutions, and configuration changes
• Ensure BOM accuracy and maintain configuration control throughout build lifecycle
• Work directly with suppliers to resolve delivery, quality, and fitment issues

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain build logs, issue tracking systems, and documentation across all build phases
• Provide clear and consistent updates to engineering and program stakeholders
• Document lessons learned and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Coordinate vehicle readiness and handoff to testing teams

Candidate Profile

• Hands-on, shop floor–oriented engineer with experience in prototype and launch environments
• Strong ownership mindset with the ability to anticipate issues and drive resolution independently
• Comfortable working across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain functions
• Detail-oriented, structured, and adaptable in dynamic build conditions
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence and drive accountability without direct authority
• Resilient under pressure, especially during critical build and launch phases

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, prototype builds, or launch environments
• Direct experience supporting prototype or pre-production builds (OEM or Tier 1)
• Strong understanding of BOM management and configuration control
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD models
• Experience working with suppliers on delivery and quality issues
• Hands-on experience on the shop floor with build teams and technicians
• Strong coordination, planning, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in tools such as Excel, Smartsheet, or similar tracking systems
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite
• Familiarity with PLM tools like Windchill or Teamcenter
• Exposure to ECR / ECN / change management processes
• Experience in EV, automotive startups, or low-volume / high-mix manufacturing
• Lean, Six Sigma, or PMP certification

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.