Value Analysis Engineer

Job Title:

Value Analysis and Value Engineer

Location: Dearborn, MI

Job Type: Full-Time

We are seeking an experienced VAVE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) Engineer with strong expertise in automotive underbody and exhaust system components
. The ideal candidate will drive cost optimization initiatives, support product design improvements, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective engineering solutions without compromising performance, safety, or manufacturability.

This role requires deep knowledge of sheet metal design
, manufacturing processes such as stamping and welding
, and hands‑on experience with cost breakdown and should‑cost analysis in automotive product development environments.

• Lead Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) activities for automotive underbody and exhaust system components.
• Analyze product designs and manufacturing methods to identify cost reduction and value improvement opportunities.
• Develop and validate cost‑saving concepts while maintaining product functionality, quality, and performance.
• Perform detailed should‑cost analysis
  , benchmarking, and cost breakdown evaluations for components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, purchasing, suppliers, and program teams to implement optimized solutions.
• Support teardown studies, competitive benchmarking, and cost workshops.
• Review and optimize sheet metal part designs for manufacturability and assembly efficiency.
• Work closely with suppliers to evaluate tooling, process improvements, and material optimization opportunities.
• Support design releases and engineering changes using PLM systems and OEM processes.
• Participate in cross‑functional reviews related to quality, manufacturing feasibility, and program timing.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards, customer requirements, and program deliverables.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive product development, VAVE engineering, or cost engineering.
• Strong understanding of automotive underbody systems and exhaust components.
• Excellent knowledge of sheet metal component design and development.
• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing processes including:
• Stamping
• Welding
• Experience performing:
• Cost breakdown analysis
• Should‑cost analysis
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools such as:
• CATIA
• NX
• Teamcenter or equivalent PLM systems
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional and supplier‑facing environments.