Position: Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) Engineer
The VAVE Engineer plays a key role in improving product value, cost efficiency, and competitiveness within the HVAC portfolio. This position focuses on identifying, analyzing, and executing value-improvement ideas across components and systems while ensuring that quality, performance, and reliability remain uncompromised. The objective is to achieve measurable cost savings, enhance manufacturability and serviceability, and strengthen the company’s culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform independent teardowns and cost analyses of HVAC systems and components.
- Lead competitive benchmarking and gap analysis to uncover design and cost-saving opportunities.
- Develop detailed cost breakdowns covering materials, labor, overhead, and logistics.
- Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Service (DFS) principles when evaluating design alternatives.
- Support qualification testing with suppliers to validate cost-reduction initiatives.
- Participate in supplier reviews and value-engineering workshops with sourcing and engineering teams.
- Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders (engineering, sourcing, and quality).
- Manage and track small-scale cost-reduction projects from start to finish.
- Mentor interns and new engineers as needed.
Work Environment
- Office-based role with regular collaboration across departments.
- Occasional travel to suppliers, manufacturing plants, or testing sites.
- Hands-on involvement during product teardowns and benchmarking activities.
- Ability to handle HVAC components and subassemblies during evaluations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering discipline.
- 2–5 years of engineering experience, with 1–2 years in product design or manufacturing engineering.
- Lean or Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
- Solid understanding of cost analysis, DFM/DFS practices, and competitive benchmarking.
- Proven ability to manage small projects and clearly communicate technical and commercial insights.
- Experience in the HVAC industry is an advantage.
Technical & Soft Skills
- Strong grasp of HVAC principles, including thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo) and PLM platforms (Teamcenter, Windchill, etc.).
- Experience with ECNs, BOM management, and supplier qualification.
- Familiarity with HVAC standards (ASHRAE, UL, AHRI, DOE).
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset, self-driven, collaborative, and effective in communication.
