Project Engineer

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 15 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

• Bachelors 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.