Cost-Out Engineer - Manufacturing
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
- 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
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders
- Strong project management and execution skills
Nice To Haves
- Experience in fenestration, aluminum extrusion products, building products, or similar industries preferred
- CAD experience preferred
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
