Project Engineer – Manufacturing (APQP / Launch)

Gastonia, North Carolina (On-site)

About the Company

IFAB Corp. is a growing custom metal fabrication manufacturer serving transportation and industrial markets. Our capabilities include stamping, forming, robotic and manual welding, CNC machining, assembly, and advanced coating processes (paint and e-coat). We operate in a fast-paced, Lean-driven environment where engineering, production, and quality collaborate closely on the shop floor to deliver high-performance solutions.

About the Role

This role is ideal for a hands-on Project Engineer who thrives in a manufacturing environment and takes full ownership of product launches from concept through production. You will play a critical role in ensuring successful program execution across safety, quality, delivery, and cost while acting as the central point of coordination between customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end APQP activities for new product launches involving stamped, formed, welded, machined, and coated components.
• Own program timelines, milestones, risk tracking, and launch readiness, ensuring all deliverables meet customer and internal requirements.
• Develop and maintain core APQP documentation including PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, and Control Plans in collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Manage full PPAP submission process (Levels 1–5 as required), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and on-time customer approvals.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for assigned programs, providing regular updates, managing expectations, and resolving technical or timing issues.
• Coordinate with tooling vendors, raw material suppliers, and outside processing partners to ensure readiness aligned with production schedules.
• Drive manufacturability reviews (DFM/DFA) and support process design, including fixture development, tooling validation, and capacity planning.
• Lead cross-functional launch meetings, track open issues, and ensure timely closure of risks related to quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support production ramp-up by troubleshooting process issues, reducing variation, and ensuring stable, repeatable manufacturing conditions.
• Monitor early production performance metrics (scrap, rework, first-pass yield, customer complaints) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 standards and customer-specific requirements throughout the launch lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate ERP/MRP system data including BOMs, routings, and project cost tracking.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, applying Lean and Six Sigma principles to optimize processes.
• Spend significant time on the production floor collaborating with operators, supervisors, and quality teams to ensure successful execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Business, or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive, aerospace, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and quality systems within ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 frameworks.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, GD&T, specifications, BOMs, and routings.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Sage, SAP, or similar).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills

• Proven ownership of product launches for OEM or Tier 1 customers and new customers
• Experience in metal fabrication processes such as stamping, welding, CNC machining, and coating systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Effective communication skills across shop floor, suppliers, and customers.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred to support a diverse workforce and customer base.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent).
• Experience with tooling development and capital equipment launches.

What Success Looks Like

• On-time, on-budget product launches with zero delayed PPAP submissions.
• Stable production processes with strong early quality performance (low scrap and rework).
• High customer satisfaction with minimal launch-related disruptions.
• Well-documented, audit-ready APQP and production processes.

Why Join IFAB

• Direct impact: See your work move from concept to production and into customer applications.
• Hands-on environment: Work closely with operations in a highly collaborative, shop-floor-driven culture.
• Growth opportunities: Exposure to customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams with clear paths for advancement.
• Continuous improvement culture: Be part of a team that values practical problem-solving and operational excellence.