What are the responsibilities and job description for the Value Analysis Engineer position at Global Connect Technologies?
Job Title: Value Analysis and Value Engineer
Location: Dearborn, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced VAVE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) Engineer with strong expertise in automotive underbody and exhaust system components. The ideal candidate will drive cost optimization initiatives, support product design improvements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective engineering solutions without compromising performance, safety, or manufacturability.
This role requires deep knowledge of sheet metal design, manufacturing processes such as stamping and welding, and hands-on experience with cost breakdown and should-cost analysis in automotive product development environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) activities for automotive underbody and exhaust system components.
- Analyze product designs and manufacturing methods to identify cost reduction and value improvement opportunities.
- Develop and validate cost-saving concepts while maintaining product functionality, quality, and performance.
- Perform detailed should-cost analysis, benchmarking, and cost breakdown evaluations for components and assemblies.
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, purchasing, suppliers, and program teams to implement optimized solutions.
- Support teardown studies, competitive benchmarking, and cost workshops.
- Review and optimize sheet metal part designs for manufacturability and assembly efficiency.
- Work closely with suppliers to evaluate tooling, process improvements, and material optimization opportunities.
- Support design releases and engineering changes using PLM systems and OEM processes.
- Participate in cross-functional reviews related to quality, manufacturing feasibility, and program timing.
- Ensure compliance with automotive standards, customer requirements, and program deliverables.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
- 5 years of experience in automotive product development, VAVE engineering, or cost engineering.
- Strong understanding of automotive underbody systems and exhaust components.
- Excellent knowledge of sheet metal component design and development.
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes including:
- Stamping
- Welding
- Part assembly
- Experience performing:
- Cost breakdown analysis
- Should-cost analysis
- Cost optimization studies
- Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools such as:
- CATIA
- NX
- Teamcenter or equivalent PLM systems
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and supplier-facing environments.