VAVE Engineer; L2 Dallas, Tx

Reports To: Sr. Manager – Sustaining & Applications Engineering

Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt

First Co. is seeking a VAVE Engineer to drive quality and cost sensitive initiatives across our First Co. and AE Air brands. In this role, you will support all product types across the company supporting design for manufacturing in improve product manufacturing efficiency through redesigns of existing equipment and increasing product competitiveness through teardowns, cost breakdowns, benchmarking, and supplier collaboration. The engineer will apply DFM/DFS principles, support qualification testing, and present findings to cross-functional teams.

The Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) Engineer will play a critical role in driving cost optimization and product competitiveness within the HVAC portfolio. This role is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and implementing value-improvement opportunities across products and components, while ensuring quality, performance, and reliability are maintained. The goal is to deliver measurable cost savings, improve manufacturability and serviceability, and support the organization’s continuous improvement culture.

Day to Day Task

• Run teardowns and cost analyses of HVAC components and systems independently with minimal supervision.
• Conduct detailed competitive benchmarking and gap analysis to identify design and cost improvement opportunities.
• Build cost breakdowns, including materials, labor, overhead, and logistics.
• Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-service (DFS) principles in evaluating design alternatives.
• Support component qualification testing with suppliers to validate cost-reduction initiatives.
• Contribute to supplier reviews and cost-reduction workshops with sourcing and engineering teams.
• Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders, including engineering, sourcing, and quality teams.
• Coordinate and track small-scale cost-reduction projects through completion.
• Provide guidance and informal mentoring to interns or new hires.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Office-based environment with regular interaction with cross-functional teams.
• Occasional travel to suppliers, manufacturing sites, or test facilities may be required.
• Hands-on work during product teardowns and competitive benchmarking activities.
• Ability to handle HVAC components and subassemblies during teardown and evaluation.

Required Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field required.
• Minimum 2–5 years of engineering experience, with at least 1–2 years in product design or manufacturing engineering.
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt, or equivalent preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cost analysis, DFM/DFS principles, and competitive benchmarking.
• Demonstrated ability to manage small projects and present technical/commercial findings effectively.
• Prior experience in HVAC or related industries is a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (Inventor / Solid Works / Creo) and PLM systems (Autodesk Inventor, Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar).
• Experience with ECNs, BOM management, and supplier qualification.
• Knowledge of HVAC industry standards (ASHRAE, UL, AHRI, DOE).
• Soft Skills:
  
  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently, effective cross-functional collaboration, and strong written and verbal communication.

Supervisory Responsibility YES ☐ NO ☒