The Engineer – VAVE Design is responsible for supporting Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) projects focused on product cost optimization while maintaining product functionality, quality, reliability, compliance, and customer value. This entry-level role supports design changes, CAD modeling, drawing updates, BOM analysis, benchmarking, teardown activities, and engineering documentation across product categories including Shower Doors, Mirror Cabinet, Bathtub, Vanity’s & bathroom Furniture’s etc.

- - VAVE Project Support & Execution

- Support execution of VAVE projects through defined stage-gate/exit-gate processes from ideation to implementation.
- Assist in identifying and evaluating cost reduction opportunities through competitive benchmarking, teardown activities, supplier inputs, and opportunity programs.
- Develop basic engineering solutions under guidance that balance cost, quality, manufacturability, and customer requirements.
- Support Request for Engineering Action (REA) execution, engineering change requests, and documentation activities.
- Track assigned tasks, support project timelines, and escalate risks or gaps to the VAVE Design leader.

- - Product Design & Creo Expertise

- Create and update 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and engineering documentation using PTC Creo under guidance.
- Prepare alternate design concepts and support feasibility evaluations for cost optimization.
- Exposure to Plastic Component design, Thermoforming, Aluminum Components design
- Support solid modeling, drafting, basic GD&T; application, tolerance reviews, and design modifications.
- Support engineering validation through simulations, design reviews, and prototype evaluations.
- Support design release activities through Windchill and SAP systems.

- Design-to-Cost & Cost Engineering

- Develop working knowledge of Design-to-Cost (DTC) principles and VAVE methodology.




- Support product BOM reviews and identify potential cost reduction opportunities with guidance.
- Assist in cost-benefit analysis for design alternatives, material substitutions, and process improvements.
- Coordinate with sourcing, suppliers, and senior engineers to gather inputs for cost-effective solutions.
- Support should-costing, cost estimation, and savings documentation activities.
- VAVE Kaizen & Innovation Activities

- Actively participate in VAVE Kaizen events, teardown workshops, benchmarking exercises, and ideation sessions.
- Contribute to generation of cost reduction ideas through cross-functional collaboration.
- Assist implementation of ideas generated from Kaizen and supplier VAVE activities.
- Promote continuous improvement and best practices across VAVE programs.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Testing, and Program Management teams.
- Coordinate engineering change activities and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Prepare basic technical summaries, data, and presentation inputs for reviews with stakeholders.

Support collaboration with global teams and external partners for project execution.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS:

Supervisory Relationships:

- Reports to VAVE Design - Leader.

Organization Relationships:

- Equivalent counterparts of business units and peers in the group.

External Business Relationships:

- Third party service providers.

EXPERIENCE:

- Education
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 1 to 3 years of experience in Product Design, VAVE, Cost Engineering,



Product Development,
- Master’s degree in engineering design or related discipline with 1 to 2 years of relevant internship, academic project, or industry experience is preferred.

- Academic, internship, or project exposure to cost reduction, product design, manufacturing processes, or engineering improvements is desirable.
- Ability to learn and work in global cross-functional engineering and fast-paced environments.

- Technical Competencies
- Core Engineering Skills

- Good engineering fundamentals in:
- Mechanics & Strength of Materials
- Plastic/Sheet Metal/Casting Manufacturing Processes
- Material Science & Metallurgy
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
- Design for Assembly (DFA)
- GD & T, Tolerance Stack-up Analysis
- Root Cause Analysis
- Engineering Calculations and Validation

- Basic knowledge of product development processes and engineering change management is preferred.

- Software & Tools

- PTC Creo (basic modeling, drafting, and assembly design)
- Windchill PLM knowledge is preferred.
- Basic SAP awareness is desirable.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)
- Basic cost analysis and BOM management awareness
- Exposure to simulation or engineering analysis tools is desirable.

- General Engineering Requirements
- Robust analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to convert ambiguous opportunities into executable engineering solutions.
- Basic understanding of engineering standards, compliance requirements, and quality systems.
- Exposure to New Product Development (NPD), VAVE, or product lifecycle management is preferred.
- Effective communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage assigned tasks, follow project priorities, and seek guidance when needed.
- Continuous learning mindset and commitment to engineering excellence.
- Awareness of Lean, Six Sigma, VAVE methodology, and continuous improvement tools is preferred.

📌 Engineer VAVE (Pune)
🏢 Kohler
📍 Pune