Lead Design Engineer - Value Engineering

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

This role involves leading diverse Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives in the electric vehicle sector, collaborating with global teams to drive value and margin improvement from concept to execution. Success requires a strong passion for value engineering, supplier engagement, and creative problem-solving.

• Lead VA/VE projects from concept to launch, overseeing design, analysis, documentation, and product release. Apply proven project management methods to ensure timely delivery and guide cross-functional teams to achieve objectives.
• Drive technical ownership and collaboration in requirements management, risk analysis, DFMEA, DVP&R, and engineering change notices for assigned projects.
• Accurately develop business cases on potential VA/VE project opportunities.
• Lead VA/VE brainstorming and ideation sessions with global cross-functional teams to build pipeline of project opportunities. Continuously evaluate product BOMs and relevant product/spend data to identify focus areas for new projects.
• Lead technical and project reviews for assigned projects with cross-functional teams and senior leadership. Actively participate in reviews across the VA/VE project portfolio and provide feedback on design solutions, risks and mitigations, timing plans, etc.
• Aid in tracking and monitoring financial impacts and reporting for assigned VA/VE projects.
• Collaborate closely with the India Engineering team to provide local support on VA/VE projects when needed (i.e., supporting local test execution, prototyping, manufacturing pilot builds, jury evaluations, etc.).

• Independently manage multiple mid-to-large projects with strong organization and effective task prioritization.
• Aid in implementing core value engineering principles into our product development process.
• Effectively mentor less-experienced engineers within the local and global VA/VE team on best practices within value engineering.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent is required. Mechanical Engineering is preferred but not required.

• Expert in following areas:
• Value engineering principles
• Vehicle or system mechanical architecture

• Experience:
• 10+ years’ relevant experience.

• Continuously raise your level of leadership, authority, and influence within the VA/VE team.
• Proficient at identifying project risks and developing/executing subsequent mitigation plans.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and creative in solving problems, driving execution, and delivering results.
• Strong passion to teach and grow capabilities of the company.
• Flexible problem solver that offers solutions for roadblocks.
• Must be tenacious and demonstrate a willingness to be hands-on and get things done.
• Understanding and application of APQP tools such as requirements definition, DFMEA, DVP&R, control plans, etc.
• Understanding of vehicle systems such as powertrains, suspensions, chassis, plastics, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with strong ability to communicate across global regions and cultures.
• Ability to teach and mentor internal engineering design processes and best practices.
• Employs “best” solution to problem rather than most evident (considers business impact to other departments as well as technical requirements).
• Understanding and basic use of CAD systems.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 drafting standards.
• High capability in Microsoft products including Excel, Word, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Thorough understanding of the Engineering financial impact and a basic understanding of the needs and impact of other functions on the business.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen.
• This position may be required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch as needed.
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.