Mechanical Design Engineer (VAVE) Job at The Toro Company (Beatrice, Nebraska)

Job Description

The Mechanical Design (VAVE) Engineer will act as project leader for outdoor power equipment Value Analysis-Value Engineering (VAVE) programs, portions of such programs, or special projects. Identify, define, and justify VAVE opportunities. Assist management with the planning and approval phases of programs and then assume full responsibility for executing project plans. Ensure that cost, performance, reliability, safety goals, and DFMA metrics meet established requirements.

Job Responsibility

Act as project leader for outdoor power equipment Value Analysis-Value Engineering (VAVE) programs, portions of such programs, or special projects
Identify, define, and justify VAVE opportunities
Assist management with the planning and approval phases of programs and then assume full responsibility for executing project plans
Ensure that cost, performance, reliability, safety goals, and DFMA metrics meet established requirements
Responsible for completing VAVE engineering assignments: concept/opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, design, cost/value justification, and testing/validation
Calculate total cost models to justify/support program approvals
Ensure documentation requirements are met
project files, engineering drawings, BOM updates, certification reports
Follow APQP process to ensure “built in” quality
Responsible for the design and analysis (or oversight of) of engineering design proposals using calculations, testing, CAE methods, or other techniques as needed
Conduct feasibility studies to identify viable solutions or knowledge gaps
Research knowledge gaps, develop specific technical expertise to close gaps and facilitate knowledge-based design and development
Conduct competitive product teardowns to analyze and document competitive cost structures and supply chains
Procure and coordinate the efforts of outside consultants, labs, suppliers, etc. needed to accomplish project objectives
Work with NPD and test engineers to gain product insight and collaborate for solution validation
Apply value analysis techniques to find lowest cost, highest value design
Develop solutions that meet appropriate safety standards
work with NPD teams, safety engineers, and testing agencies to obtain necessary approvals/certifications
Plan and manage projects Use data analytics tools to identify and prioritize opportunities
Work with engineering management to develop formal project proposals and execution plans
Work with collaborators to establish program requirements
Assist with DVPR development and facilitation
Project management: leads/coordinates project execution with cross functional partners
Report project status to management
Assist management with training other employees in technical areas
Keep current with industry/supply chain/manufacturing developments, technology, competitive products, etc.
Applies “Total Quality” principles in the daily performance of the job
Engineer IV: Lead engineering activities to support enterprise/strategic supply chain productivity projects
Collaborate to develop VAVE related data analytics tools
Maintain productivity tracking databases, provide reporting data
Develop and deploy cost models for competitive teardowns
Lead VAVE activities, support and prioritize work of junior team members
Engineer V: Assist management with establishing productivity strategy, goals, tools, and approaches
Track team performance against specified goals, adjust action plans to meet goals
Lead teardowns, cross functional productivity events/efforts, scope development for VAVE data analytics tools

Requirements

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s of Mechanical, Aeronautical, Agricultural, Industrial, Manufacturing, or equivalent engineering degree required
Engineer III, 5-7 years of relevant professional experience
Engineer IV, 8-12 years of relevant professional experience
Engineer V, 13+ years of relevant experience
Experience with broad design and manufacturing process knowledge is preferred: steel fabrication, heat treat, metallurgy, plastics, rubber, powder metal, die casting, forging, coatings, fasteners, adhesives, composites, driveline components, electrification, lighting, controls, packaging, etc.
Must be able to create and analyze component or system level design concepts with autonomy
Has demonstrated a high level of productivity, competency, and technical aptitude in the execution of duties

Nice to have

Masters in Engineering is a plus
SAP experience preferred
Power-BI or AI data analytics tool experience is a plus
Experience with Lean NPD, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement is highly preferred
Formal project management or time management training and/or experience are preferred
Experience with development of engineering drawings, GD&T, and metrology are preferred
Engineer IV: Experience directing work of drafters, designers, and junior engineers
High proficiency with broad design and manufacturing process knowledge
High proficiency with engineering drawings, GD&T, and metrology
Experience leading cross functional teams through projects of significant complexity
Engineer V: Previous experience working with great autonomy, developing strategies, setting priorities, and making decisions that result in highly successful goal attainment
Highly proficient with people/partnership/leadership skills
Experience leading productivity events, Kaizens, or continuous improvements efforts
High proficiency with Lean Manufacturing, Lean NPD, waste reduction
Expert proficiency with many manufacturing processes and methodology

What we offer

Competitive salary
Affordable and top tier medical/dental/vision plan
401k
Dress for your day - casual, office-plant blended environment
Wellness - mental health, financial health, and other types of resources
Volunteerism - 20 hours of paid time to volunteer in the community
Growth Opportunities – Tuition reimbursement, opportunities to move into new areas of interest, and promotion opportunities
May be eligible to participate in an incentive program
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