Cost-Out Engineer - Manufacturing

RiteScreen is redefining the window and door screen industry. As North America’s largest manufacturer, we combine scale, speed, and innovation to deliver smarter solutions to our customers. We’re a fast-moving, results-driven organization where continuous improvement isn’t a buzzword, it’s how we win.

The Cost-Out Engineer is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing cost-reduction initiatives across the company’s window and door screen manufacturing operations. This role focuses on material optimization, process improvement, product design simplification, and supply chain cost reduction while maintaining product quality, service levels, and safety standards.

This position operates at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and continuous improvement, and plays a critical role in delivering measurable cost savings through structured cost-reduction programs.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Reduction Program Development

• Identify and prioritize cost-reduction opportunities across materials, manufacturing processes, logistics, and product design
• Develop structured value engineering roadmaps and project charters aligned with company objectives
• Build and maintain a pipeline of cost-reduction initiatives with defined savings targets and timelines

Product and Material Value Engineering

• Conduct Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM) and Design-to-Cost (DTC) evaluations
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through:
  • Material optimization (e.g., aluminum, mesh, components, spline)
  • Hardware simplification
  • Packaging improvements
  • SKU standardization
• Partner with suppliers to evaluate material substitutions or specification changes

Manufacturing Process Optimization

• Analyze production processes including metal forming, assembly, and packaging
• Identify and implement improvements to reduce:
  • Labor content
  • Scrap and rework
  • Cycle time
  • Material waste
• Support automation and tooling improvements where appropriate

Cross-Functional Project Leadership

• Lead cost-reduction projects across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams
• Coordinate implementation across multiple facilities
• Ensure appropriate updates to PFMEA, control plans, and work instructions

Supplier Cost Reduction

• Partner with procurement and suppliers to drive cost transparency and should-cost analysis
• Support negotiations with data-driven cost models
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, alternate sourcing, and value engineering redesigns

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Develop cost models for products, components, and processes
• Perform should-cost analysis on key materials (e.g., aluminum extrusions, fiberglass mesh, hardware, packaging)
• Track and report on:
  • Project pipeline
  • Realized savings
  • Implementation status
  • Return on investment (ROI)

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required
• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, value engineering, cost reduction, or lean manufacturing environments
• Experience in fenestration, aluminum extrusion products, building products, or similar industries preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with cost modeling and should-cost analysis
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Familiarity with PFMEA and manufacturing risk assessment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems
• CAD experience preferred
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders
• Strong project management and execution skills

Performance Metrics

Success in this role may be measured by:

• Annual realized cost savings
• Cost reductions as a percentage of cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Number of implemented cost-reduction initiatives
• Improvements in material utilization and scrap reduction
• Labor efficiency gains
• ROI of automation or tooling investments

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Travel may be up to 50% 
• May require standing, walking, and periodic lifting up to [insert weight, e.g., 25 lbs]
• Ability to travel between facilities as needed

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status.