What are the responsibilities and job description for the VAVE Engineer – Automotive position at Global Connect Technologies?
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced VAVE Engineer with strong expertise in automotive underbody components, sheet metal design, and cost optimization activities. The ideal candidate will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to support value analysis/value engineering initiatives, should-cost analysis, and product cost reduction activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support VAVE activities for automotive underbody and exhaust system components
- Perform should-cost analysis and cost breakdown evaluations
- Work on sheet metal part design and manufacturing feasibility
- Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams for cost optimization initiatives
- Analyze manufacturing processes including stamping, welding, and part assembly
- Support teardown benchmarking and cost workshop activities
- Utilize CAD and PLM systems for design reviews and engineering changes
- Ensure product designs align with cost, quality, and manufacturability targets
Required Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical / Automotive Engineering or related field
- 5 years of experience in automotive product development or VAVE / cost engineering
- Strong knowledge of:
- Underbody and exhaust systems
- Sheet metal part design
- Manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, assembly)
- Should-cost analysis and cost breakdown
- Experience with CAD tools such as CATIA or NX
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers
- Familiarity with Ford systems/processes (GPDS, WERS, AIMS)
- Experience in teardown benchmarking and supplier collaboration