What are the responsibilities and job description for the Total Value Management TVM Engineer position at Actalent?
Job Title: Total Value Management (TVM) Engineer – ICE Powertrain Cost Reduction
Job Description
The Total Value Management (TVM) Engineer focuses on driving cost-reduction initiatives across Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powertrain systems. In this role, you combine strong technical powertrain knowledge with project management, data analysis, and value engineering expertise to identify, evaluate, and implement engineering changes that deliver measurable product cost savings. You work closely with design release engineers, program teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders to support annual TVM cost-reduction targets from concept through implementation.
Responsibilities
- Generate and implement cost-saving opportunities across ICE powertrain systems, ensuring measurable and validated savings.
- Support annual Technical Value Management (TVM) cost-reduction objectives by identifying and executing value engineering initiatives.
- Identify design, material, manufacturing, and supplier-related cost reduction opportunities across multiple powertrain components.
- Develop clear business cases and technical justifications for proposed cost-reduction initiatives, including financial and technical impacts.
- Coordinate activities across multiple vehicle and powertrain programs to ensure alignment and timely execution of cost-reduction projects.
- Lead cross-functional meetings with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams, and drive completion of action items.
- Maintain detailed implementation schedules, work plans, and savings forecasts for all assigned TVM projects.
- Analyze engineering data and cost data to quantify opportunities, validate savings, and support decision-making.
- Prepare concise and informative leadership reports, presentations, and implementation summaries that communicate project status and results.
- Track savings realization from approved initiatives and support financial validation and reporting processes.
- Support continuous improvement of value engineering processes, methodologies, and tools within the powertrain organization.
- Collaborate with design release engineers and suppliers to develop and implement engineering changes that achieve cost targets without compromising performance or quality.
- Monitor implementation timing and risks, escalate issues as needed, and implement mitigation plans to keep projects on track.
- Apply technical knowledge of ICE powertrain systems to evaluate feasibility, trade-offs, and potential impacts of proposed changes.
Essential Skills
- Proven experience in cost reduction and Technical Value Management (TVM) within an engineering environment.
- Hands-on experience with value engineering and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) methodologies.
- Strong technical knowledge of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powertrain systems.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional projects involving engineering, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
- Experience in cost tracking and savings analysis, including quantification and validation of cost-reduction initiatives.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost modeling, and reporting.
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret engineering and financial data.
- Technical problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
- Experience developing business cases for engineering changes, including cost-benefit analysis.
- Program management and project execution experience, including planning, scheduling, and risk management.
- Technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), exhaust systems, aftertreatment systems, turbochargers, air induction systems, thermal management systems, fuel systems, ignition systems, or evaporative emissions systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BS in Engineering).
- At least 3 years of automotive engineering experience.
- Experience supporting cost reduction, value engineering, or product optimization initiatives.
- Experience working with cross-functional engineering teams on complex projects.
- Experience analyzing engineering and cost data to support decision-making.
- Experience developing and implementing engineering changes in a production or product development environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Exposure to cost engineering practices is beneficial.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical and financial information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Attention to detail in tracking implementation status, documenting changes, and maintaining accurate savings records.
- Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and value optimization.
- Comfort working in a structured product development or manufacturing environment with defined processes and milestones.
Work Environment
The role operates within an automotive engineering and product development environment focused on ICE powertrain systems and cost optimization. You collaborate frequently with design release engineers, program teams, suppliers, and cross-functional partners, often coordinating activities across multiple vehicle and powertrain programs. The position involves regular use of advanced Microsoft Excel and other data analysis and reporting tools to support cost tracking and savings analysis. Work arrangements may include a combination of on-site and work-from-home (WFH) schedules, depending on business needs and project requirements.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $42.30 - $50.74/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a hybrid position in Dearborn,MI.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Salary : $42 - $51