Project Value Engineer

Position Summary: The Project Value Engineer will be a critical member of the design engineering team, responsible for leading projects to reduce the cost of existing and new products without compromising quality or functionality. This role blends a deep technical understanding of mechanical engineering with project management skills to proactively identify and implement cost-saving opportunities throughout the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sheet metal fabrication and a proven track record of successful value engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Value Engineering & Project Leadership:
  • Lead Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) workshops with cross-functional teams (engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and sales) to identify and prioritize cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Analyze product designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to propose and implement changes that reduce costs.
  • Conduct competitive benchmarking to identify cost gaps and target areas for improvement.
• Project Management & Reporting:
  • Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for all cost-reduction initiatives, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
  • Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for cost savings and project success.
  • Present regular updates to management on the status of cost-reduction projects, including results achieved and a future outlook with plans to seek new cost-saving ideas from bills of materials and design for manufacturability.

• Technical Analysis & Design Support:
  • Perform detailed technical analysis of components and assemblies, proposing alternative materials, manufacturing methods, or design changes.
  • Utilize knowledge of sheet metal fabrication processes (e.g., punching, laser cutting, forming, welding) to optimize designs for cost efficiency.
  • Collaborate with the design engineering team to ensure new product designs meet target cost goals.
  • Serve as a mandatory checkpoint in the design process for all new projects to provide analysis on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and review the Bill of Materials (BOM) for potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Supplier & Procurement Collaboration:
  • Work closely with the purchasing department to evaluate supplier proposals, negotiate costs, and identify alternative vendors for components and raw materials.
  • Review Bills of Materials (BOMs) to identify high-cost components and lead the search for cost-effective alternatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical field is required.
• Experience: 2-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within sheet metal fabrication or a related industry.
• Skills:
  • Proven experience in project management and leading cross-functional teams.
  • Strong technical background in mechanical design and sheet metal fabrication.
  • Preferred proficiency in CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo)
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, including the ability to present complex data to management.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform cost-benefit analysis and manage project budgets.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may contact the company’s Human Resources Department at (937) 399-0500.

This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability.

Rittal LLC and Eplan are proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. EEO, including Disability/Vets.