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Launch Operations Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Cooper Standard

Launch Engineer

Oscoda, MI · On-site

The Plant Launch Engineer leads the plant team for a program, product or process launch ... Provides operations support for product builds, testing, process optimization, run at rate events ...

Cooper Standard

Launch Engineer

Oscoda, MI · On-site

The Plant Launch Engineer leads the plant team for a program, product or process launch ... Provides operations support for product builds, testing, process optimization, run at rate events ...

JAC Products

Launch Manager

Saline, MI · On-site

Requirements and Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related discipline • ... JAC Products has operation or production capabilities on four continents and continues to expand ...

JAC Products

Launch Manager

Saline, MI · On-site

Requirements and Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related discipline • ... JAC Products has operation or production capabilities on four continents and continues to expand ...

JAC Products

Launch Manager

Saline, MI

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related discipline * Two (2) to five (5) years of ... JAC Products has operation or production capabilities on four continents and continues to expand ...

Blue Bird

Senior Director, Project Management

Troy, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, operations, supply chain, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred. * 10+ years of progressive program management, product launch, operations ...

Blue Bird

Senior Director, Project Management

Troy, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, operations, supply chain, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred. * 10+ years of progressive program management, product launch, operations ...

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Launch Operations Engineer information

What is a launch operations engineer?

Launch Operations Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the technical aspects of spacecraft or rocket launches. Their work involves preparing, testing, and integrating launch vehicles and payloads, as well as managing countdown procedures and troubleshooting issues that may arise before or during a launch. They collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, reliability, and mission success. These engineers often work at launch sites and must be adept at problem-solving in high-pressure environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a launch operations engineer?

To thrive as a Launch Operations Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, systems integration, and problem-solving, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with launch vehicle systems, telemetry, control software, and certifications like EIT or PE are commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are essential to ensure safe, reliable, and successful spacecraft launches in a high-stakes environment.

What are common challenges faced by launch operations engineers during a rocket launch campaign?

Launch Operations Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating real-time communication across multidisciplinary teams, managing tight launch windows, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues under time pressure. They must also ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements while working in high-stress environments. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective collaboration with engineers, technicians, and mission control staff.

What is the difference between Launch Operations Engineer vs Launch Systems Engineer?

AspectLaunch Operations EngineerLaunch Systems Engineer
Primary FocusOverseeing launch procedures, ground operations, and launch site activitiesDesigning, integrating, and testing launch vehicle systems
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, technical background, certifications in launch operationsBachelor's or higher in aerospace or systems engineering, certifications in systems integration
Work EnvironmentLaunch sites, ground control facilitiesDesign labs, testing facilities, integration centers
Industry UsageSpace agencies, commercial launch providersManufacturers, aerospace companies, system integrators

The Launch Operations Engineer primarily manages ground and launch site activities, ensuring successful launches. In contrast, the Launch Systems Engineer focuses on designing and testing the vehicle systems. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to the launch process, but they differ in daily responsibilities and work environments.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Launch Operations Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Launch Operations Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Launch Operations Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Launch Engineer

Oscoda, MI • On-site

Cooper Standard
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Cooper Standardexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Cooper Standard rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

527th of 547 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Plant Launch Engineer leads the plant team for a program, product or process launch. Responsible for all plant tasks, deliverables and events via the plant team. Works closely with the Program Manager and the rest of the Program Team. Functions as Program Manager for internal plant projects. Reports directly to Launch Manager in Plant (where applicable).

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Leads a cross functional plant-based program team

  • Is responsible to execute all ClauS deliverables, specifically all plant tasks and deliverables for new product launches including tool release, purchase and installation and commission of all tooling and equipment, run at rate, hiring and training, Power Builds, all PPAP's, supplier readiness reviews and meeting all customer requirements and MRDs

  • Represents the team as the lead manufacturing member of the Program Team. Interface with the Program Manager, Program Engineer, Program Buyer, Account Manager, and Cost Analyst

  • Meeting program timing requirements for the total program, but with special focus on plant tasks and deliverables

  • Gap analysis and roadmaps for plant targets including material, scrap, production cycle time, tool cost and capital investment. Maintains shared responsibility to meet all operational financial targets with the plant/division teams

  • Provides operations support for product builds, testing, process optimization, run at rate events and variation studies

  • Represents operations in a professional way, maintains customer satisfaction, and meets customer expectations for response time, quality products, delivery on time, communication and quality systems

  • When functioning as the Program Manager, meets all requirements of that Job Description

  • Ensures Housekeeping and Health & Safety Standards are maintained

  • Complies with policies and procedures pertaining to facility or divisional adopted standards such as IATF 16949 and ISO 14001

  • Utilizes the concepts of continuous improvement including Lean

  • Engineering Change, Inter-Company and Proto-type Coordination

  • Management of Customer and Cooper Systems within the program management requirements. (VPP, Alerts, EnterProj, Wind-chill, etc.)

  • Influences the level of service and the team's ability to meet quality and volume objectives in a timely manner

  • May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description

Education and Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor of Science (BA) in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering preferred

  • Minimum of three years' experience in automotive industry

  • Willingness to obtain (or) possession of Six Sigma Black Belt or Kepner- Tregoe certification Ability to solve complex problems and exercise judgement based on the analysis of multiple sources of information

  • Experience in a variety of basic operations disciplines: Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Materials and Logistics, Process / Tooling Engineering and Shop Floor Management

  • In-depth understanding and application of concepts, theories and principles in program management

  • Identifies and Coordinates the resolution of issues related to programs or processes

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary

Work Environment/Work Conditions:

  • Professional Office Environment

  • Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor

  • Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required

  • Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury

Position Type:

Regular

Additional Locations: 

Additional Information:

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers. Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether personal, professional, or via education or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.

Remote Status:

On-site

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About Cooper Standard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich. USA, with locations in 21 countries, is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components. Utilizing our materials science and manufacturing expertise, we create innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets. Cooper Standard's approximately 23,000 employees are at the heart of our success, continuously improving our business and surrounding communities.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Novi, MI, US

Year founded

1960

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