Engineer_VAVE

• Position Summary

The Engineer – VAVE Design is responsible for supporting Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) projects focused on product cost optimization while maintaining product functionality, quality, reliability, compliance, and customer value. This entry-level role supports design changes, CAD modeling, drawing updates, BOM analysis, benchmarking, teardown activities, and engineering documentation across product categories inside Faucets & Kitchen Sinks line including but not limited to Kitchen & Lav Faucets, Valving, Performance Showering, Sinks, and related product platforms.

• Key Responsibilities
  • VAVE Project Support & Execution

• Support execution of VAVE projects through defined stage-gate/exit-gate processes from ideation to implementation.
• Assist in identifying and evaluating cost reduction opportunities through competitive benchmarking, teardown activities, supplier inputs, and opportunity programs.
• Develop basic engineering solutions under guidance that balance cost, quality, manufacturability, and customer requirements.
• Support Request for Engineering Action (REA) execution, engineering change requests, and documentation activities.
• Track assigned tasks, support project timelines, and escalate risks or gaps to the VAVE Design leader.
  • Product Design & Creo Expertise

• Create and update 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and engineering documentation using PTC Creo under guidance.
• Prepare alternate design concepts and support feasibility evaluations for cost optimization.
• Support solid modeling, drafting, basic GD&T application, tolerance reviews, and design modifications.
• Support engineering validation through simulations, design reviews, and prototype evaluations.
• Support design release activities through Windchill and SAP systems.
  • Design-to-Cost & Cost Engineering

• Develop working knowledge of Design-to-Cost (DTC) principles and VAVE methodology.
• Support product BOM reviews and identify potential cost reduction opportunities with guidance.
• Assist in cost-benefit analysis for design alternatives, material substitutions, and process improvements.
• Coordinate with sourcing, suppliers, and senior engineers to gather inputs for cost-effective solutions.
• Support should-costing, cost estimation, and savings documentation activities.

• • VAVE Kaizen & Innovation Activities
• Actively participate in VAVE Kaizen events, teardown workshops, benchmarking exercises, and ideation sessions.
• Contribute to generation of cost reduction ideas through cross-functional collaboration.
• Assist implementation of ideas generated from Kaizen and supplier VAVE activities.
• Promote continuous improvement and best practices across VAVE programs.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Testing, and Program Management teams.
• Coordinate engineering change activities and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Prepare basic technical summaries, data, and presentation inputs for reviews with stakeholders.

Support collaboration with global teams and external partners for project execution.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS:

Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to VAVE Design - Leader.

Organization Relationships:

• Equivalent counterparts of business units and peers in the group.

External Business Relationships:

• Third party service providers.

EXPERIENCE:

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 1 to 3 years of experience in Product Design, VAVE, Cost Engineering, Product Development,
  • Master’s degree in engineering design or related discipline with 1 to 2 years of relevant internship, academic project, or industry experience is preferred.
• Academic, internship, or project exposure to cost reduction, product design, manufacturing processes, or engineering improvements is desirable.
• Ability to learn and work in global cross-functional engineering and fast-paced environments.

• Technical Competencies
  • Core Engineering Skills

• Good engineering fundamentals in:
  • Mechanics & Strength of Materials
  • Plastic/Sheet Metal/Casting Manufacturing Processes
  • Material Science & Metallurgy
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
  • Design for Assembly (DFA)
  • GD & T, Tolerance Stack-up Analysis
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Engineering Calculations and Validation
• Basic knowledge of product development processes and engineering change management is preferred.

• Software & Tools

• PTC Creo (basic modeling, drafting, and assembly design)
• Windchill PLM knowledge is preferred.
• Basic SAP awareness is desirable.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)
• Basic cost analysis and BOM management awareness
• Exposure to simulation or engineering analysis tools is desirable.

• General Engineering Requirements
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
  • Ability to convert ambiguous opportunities into executable engineering solutions.
  • Basic understanding of engineering standards, compliance requirements, and quality systems.
  • Exposure to New Product Development (NPD), VAVE, or product lifecycle management is preferred.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage assigned tasks, follow project priorities, and seek guidance when needed.
  • Continuous learning mindset and commitment to engineering excellence.
  • Awareness of Lean, Six Sigma, VAVE methodology, and continuous improvement tools is preferred.

Mandatory Skills

Product Design, Creo Parametric, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (Gd&T), Plastic Design, Sheet Metal Design

Experience

1 to 4 years