Project Value Engineer

Location: Urbana, OH
Job Title: Project Value Engineer

About Rittal
Rittal is a leading global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control, and IT infrastructure, as well as software and services. The company is a member of the Friedhelm Loh Group, a successful international player with 18 production plants, 80 subsidiaries, and 12,000 employees.

Rittal LLC has built a strong tradition of innovation and takes pride in a progressive approach to engineering. We design and manufacture the world’s leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories, including high-efficiency, high-density power management, and climate control systems for industrial, data center, outdoor, and hybrid applications.

Primary Activities/Duties

Value Engineering & Project Leadership

• Lead Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) workshops with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize cost-reduction opportunities.
• Analyze product designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to propose and implement cost-saving changes.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking to identify cost gaps and improvement targets.

Project Management & Reporting

• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for cost-reduction initiatives, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and budget-compliant project completion.
• Track and report KPIs for cost savings and project success.
• Present regular updates to management on project status, results, and future opportunities.

Technical Analysis & Design Support

• Perform detailed technical analysis of components and assemblies to identify alternative materials, manufacturing methods, or design changes.
• Apply sheet metal fabrication knowledge (e.g., punching, laser cutting, forming, welding) to optimize designs for cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure new product designs meet target cost goals.
• Serve as a mandatory checkpoint in the design process for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and BOM cost reviews.

Supplier & Procurement Collaboration

• Partner with purchasing to evaluate supplier proposals, negotiate costs, and identify alternative vendors.
• Review BOMs to identify high-cost components and lead efforts to source cost-effective alternatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in sheet metal fabrication.
• Proven experience in project management and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong technical background in mechanical design and sheet metal processes.
• Preferred proficiency in CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex data and perform cost-benefit analysis.
• Experience managing project budgets and timelines.

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.