JOB DESCRIPTION

Plans, organizes, and leads VAVE (Value Added/Value Engineering) Idea Generation Phase of a Product Line or Commodity identified as a Wave (systematic investigation for cost reduction opportunities). The idea generation session includes both the commercial and technical areas of the business but mostly focusing on Technical/Engineering Optimization efforts for cost savings. The Wave Lead manages the prioritization of ideas from concept to actual realization. The VAVE lead is responsible for managing VAVE projects from the basic Idea stage to Project approval stage. In doing so, preliminary business cases/timelines are developed; cross functional buy in from the organization is achieved.

Job Responsibilities:

•Responsible for overall strategy to reach target savings for the product through a disciplined & structured DMAIC wave approach.

•Collaborates with a wide variety of functional areas such as Sales, Engineering, Marketing, Manufacturing and Purchasing to identify technical cost reduction and market opportunities.

•Leads the VAVE Team initiatives for key activities for their respective Business Unit responsibilities.

•The VAVE Lead role includes idea generation, prioritization, concept development, technical/commercial feasibility, business case, and handoff to Program Manager.

•Identifies in conjunction with the Business Unit products and suppliers for Teardowns and Idea Generation Sessions.

•Retain close coordination with Product Management and Engineering to meet new product cost targets and evaluate deproliferation/part number rationalization strategies.

•Responsible for developing concept designs that meet performance expectations and offer cost reduction opportunities with favorable business cases.

•Perform engineering calculations as needed necessary for the application of these components and systems. Such calculations may include component stress and fatigue life, geometrical fit, static and dynamic load calculations, etc.

•Alert to new technology and opportunities to incorporate the technology into future products or manufacturing processes.

•Provide input in defining test programs/DVP – determine product evaluation required to qualify component changes.

•Develops preliminary business case, risk mitigation plan, implementation plan and timeline as well as all other facets, to support technical change opportunities and present the overall program status to the key stakeholders on a periodic basis.

•Coordinates spend analysis data for use in Purchasing to identify commercial and/or technical opportunities.

•Support “should be” cost analysis to support purchasing negotiation strategies.

•Lead Linear Price Performance (LPP) analysis with cross functional team.

•Responsible for reporting wave status and cost savings to Senior Management and related functions.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

•Bachelor's degree required (Mechanical, Automotive or Industrial Eng.); BSME highly preferred

•Minimum of 5 years axle engineering experience required

•Experience with commercial vehicle drivetrain systems preferred

•Staff leadership experience in multiple functions preferred

•Project management preferred

•Design experience with structural components (forgings, castings, stampings, weldments) preferred

•Pro-E/Creo or other 3D Modeling experience preferred

•Familiarity with GD&T and tolerance stack up analysis is a plus

Education Details:

Meritor is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.