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Launch Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Raptor Launch Engineer

Allen Park, MI · Hybrid

$99K - $166K/yr

Collaborate with the Ford Racing Engineering teams on issue identification and resolutions to meet the build / launch timing and quality standards. You'll have... * Bachelor's degree in Engineering ...

Compensation: $40-42 About the Role We're seeking a Systems Engineer - Controls to support the integration, testing, validation, and launch of advanced automotive electrical and control systems. This ...

Engineer would be engaged in the ownership of the product from the New Business Opportunity through the production launch. This is an opportunity for a creative individual with a keen understanding ...

Engineer would be engaged in the ownership of the product from the New Business Opportunity through the production launch. This is an opportunity for a creative individual with a keen understanding ...

This role provides end-to-end ownership of launch readiness by aligning Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering functions to deliver programs safely, on time, and within budget. The Launch ...

In this role, the Launch Manager will assure the successful "start of production" of new programs and engineering changes by effectively leading plant resources (staff) and effective project ...

In this role, the Launch Manager will assure the successful "start of production" of new programs and engineering changes by effectively leading plant resources (staff) and effective project ...

In this role, the Launch Manager will assure the successful "start of production" of new programs and engineering changes by effectively leading plant resources (staff) and effective project ...

Apply Early

Proven success supporting OEM customers as a resident engineer or launch engineer; program ... management experience a plus. * Exceptional communication, project management, and problem-solving ...

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Showing results 1-20

Launch Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$29.2K

$75.9K

$113.7K

How much do launch engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for launch engineer in Michigan is $75,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,900.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Launch Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Launch Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with launch vehicle systems, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry-standard safety and quality certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you excel in high-pressure, collaborative environments. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and success of complex launch operations.

What Is a Launch Engineer?

A launch engineer coordinates different business departments and helps them successfully launch new products or services on time and within budget. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in business or similar fields and years of experience with launch processes. In the aerospace industry, a launch engineer designs and implements rocket launch systems. They plan development tests, review flight and test data, and produce launch procedures and criteria. Whichever industry you work in as a launch engineer, you need top-notch communication and organizational skills. Planning and status reporting are key functions of your daily duties. You take on a blend of management and quality assurance roles. Because of your position, you’re the critical point that ensures the launch, whether for a product or a rocket ship, is on budget and on time.

What are Launch Engineers?

Launch Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the technical aspects of launching rockets, spacecraft, or other vehicles into space. They coordinate with various engineering teams to ensure all systems are properly integrated and functioning before, during, and after launch. Their duties include developing launch procedures, troubleshooting issues, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and monitoring launch operations in real-time. Launch Engineers play a critical role in ensuring the success and safety of space missions.

What is the difference between Launch Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectLaunch EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, specialized training in launch systemsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft/rocket launch sites, aerospace facilitiesManufacturing plants, design offices, research labs
Industry UsageSpace agencies, aerospace companies, defense contractorsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Launch Engineers focus on preparing and executing spacecraft and rocket launches, requiring specialized knowledge of launch systems and safety protocols. Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries, including aerospace, but with broader application. While both roles require engineering degrees, Launch Engineers typically have more specific training related to launch operations, making them distinct yet related roles within the aerospace sector.

What are some common challenges a Launch Engineer faces during the final countdown and launch operations?

Launch Engineers often encounter high-pressure situations during the final countdown, where quick decision-making and effective communication are critical. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—such as propulsion, avionics, and ground support—is essential to address last-minute technical issues and ensure all systems are 'go' for launch. Managing unexpected anomalies while maintaining strict safety protocols can be challenging, but these experiences also develop strong problem-solving skills and resilience. Working in this role provides exposure to real-time operations and opportunities for career advancement into leadership positions or specialized technical roles.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Launch Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Launch Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Launch Engineer jobs in MI? For Launch Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Launch Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,861 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Manufacturing Launch Engineer

Manufacturing Launch Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Redford, MI • On-site

$162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.


As part of our Manufacturing team, you'll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we're constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.

Advanced Industrial Technology Platforms (ATP)

Vision: Build Once, Scale Everywhere.
Mission: We build and scale industrial platforms, technologies, and capabilities that unlock Ford Firsts to drive sustained competitive advantage in manufacturing.
Mantra: Scale what matters. Win what's next.

This team is leading customer interface as ATP delivers thousands of instances of internally developed and managed ATP products that are designed to change how adopt new technology in Manufacturing Operations. ATP Launch - Internal go-to-market strategies that create demand and drive deployment, this position will be at the foundation of the transformational deployments.

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.We build world-class vehicles in our plants around the world, constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. It's our people who really make the difference. We encourage all of our employees to think outside the box to help us find better and more efficient ways to manufacture our vehicles.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering, Project Management, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

  • 1+ years in a Launch environment for new process equipment and/or New Model Vehicle Programs

  • 1+ years in Manufacturing Engineering working to develop and understand the challenges of process changes and process efficiency

  • 2+ years of progressive responsibilities in manufacturing operations leadership.

  • Proven success leading large-scale transformations on multi-site manufacturing environments using the Ford Production System (FPS) or any similar operational excellence framework.

  • Demonstrated record of building trust with employees and creating positive and healthy cultures through excellent servant leadership skills.

  • Deep expertise in executing Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Policy deployment events. Experience in managing lean maturity assessment models. 

  • Aspiration for continued career growth and new challenges.

  • A willingness to learn, the flexibility and agility to adapt as products grow from concepts into common place pillars of Manufacturing Operations.

  • A willingness to travel (50-75%) between our sites, respond quickly, create connections across multiple teams, and nurture relationships to promote reliable partners at each manufacturing location.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage

  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more

  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more

  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases

  • Tuition assistance

  • Established and active employee resource groups

  • Paid time off for individual and team community service

  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day

  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a range of salary grades 5-8 and ranges from $63,480-162,120.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Domestic relocation is available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. 

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-PW1

Product Awareness - Working with each ATP Product Vertical to understand the problems being targeted with available products and products in development

Product Expertise - Hands-on experience to become the SME on available products as they roll out to customers, working in partnership with ATP Product Teams to deploy flawlessly and support for the life of the product

Customer Engagement - Collect Feedback on opportunities, concerns, and requests to create a 2-way sustainable communication channel between implementation and product development activities

Leadership Alignment Strategy - Support the communication of roadmap activities from the plant floor through the Directors of Manufacturing


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982