Value Optimization Engineer (Cooling Systems)

Mission

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Value Optimization Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will lead cross-functional initiatives to improve product design, reduce manufacturing costs, and enhance the overall value of our automotive components without compromising quality or performance. Your primary focus will be on automotive cooling systems, acting as the bridge between product engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. If you have a strong background in automotive technical systems and proven project leadership skills on the manufacturing floor, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive VAVE Initiatives: Identify, analyze, and execute Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) opportunities specifically within automotive cooling and thermal management systems.

  • Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional cost-reduction and process-optimization projects from concept through validation and into mass production. Coordinate with R&D, Purchasing, Quality, and Manufacturing teams.

  • Manufacturing Integration: Evaluate current manufacturing processes for cooling systems to identify bottlenecks, material waste, or inefficiencies, implementing design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements.

  • Technical Analysis: Conduct tear-downs, competitive benchmarking, and Bill of Materials (BOM) analysis to find alternative materials or design modifications that optimize both cost and performance.

  • Supplier Collaboration: Work closely with technical suppliers to optimize component designs, reduce tooling costs, and improve supply chain efficiency.

  • Quality & Compliance: Ensure all value-optimized designs strictly adhere to automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP) and OEM customer specifications.

Profile

  • Cooling Systems Automotive Experience: Deep technical understanding of automotive thermal management, HVAC, or engine/battery cooling systems, including thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.

  • Automotive Technical Experience: Strong general knowledge of automotive engineering principles, vehicle architectures, and industry-standard quality frameworks (APQP, FMEA, PPAP).

  • Automotive Manufacturing Experience (2+ Years): A minimum of two years of hands-on experience in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.

  • Project Lead Experience: Proven ability to manage complex technical projects, define scope, track milestones, manage budgets, and lead cross-functional teams to successful completion.

    • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.

    • Experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for design review.

    • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

    • Strong analytical skills with proficiency in cost modeling and data analysis.

  • Skills

    HVAC
    Cooling Systems
    CAD
    Cost Analysis