Mechanical Design Engineer (VAVE) III, IV, V - The Toro Company

The Toro Company•Bloomington, MN

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Design (VAVE) Engineer will act as project leader for outdoor power equipment Value Analysis-Value Engineering (VAVE) programs, portions of such programs, or special projects. Identify, define, and justify VAVE opportunities. Assist management with the planning and approval phases of programs and then assume full responsibility for executing project plans. Ensure that cost, performance, reliability, safety goals, and DFMA metrics meet established requirements.

Requirements

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s of Mechanical, Aeronautical, Agricultural, Industrial, Manufacturing, or equivalent engineering degree required.
Engineer III, 5-7 years of relevant professional experience.
Engineer IV, 8-12 years of relevant professional experience.
Engineer V, 13+ years of relevant professional experience.
Experience with broad design and manufacturing process knowledge is preferred: steel fabrication, heat treat, metallurgy, plastics, rubber, powder metal, die casting, forging, coatings, fasteners, adhesives, composites, driveline components, electrification, lighting, controls, packaging, etc.
Must be able to create and analyze component or system level design concepts with autonomy.
Has demonstrated a high level of productivity, competency, and technical aptitude in the execution of duties.
SAP experience preferred.
Power-BI or AI data analytics tool experience is a plus.
Experience with Lean NPD, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement is highly preferred.
Formal project management or time management training and/or experience are preferred.
Experience with development of engineering drawings, GD&T, and metrology are preferred.
Engineer IV: Experience directing work of drafters, designers, and junior engineers.
Engineer IV: High proficiency with broad design and manufacturing process knowledge.
Engineer IV: High proficiency with engineering drawings, GD&T, and metrology.
Engineer IV: Experience leading cross functional teams through projects of significant complexity.
Engineer V: Previous experience working with great autonomy, developing strategies, setting priorities, and making decisions that result in highly successful goal attainment.
Engineer V: Highly proficient with people/partnership/leadership skills.
Engineer V: Experience leading productivity events, Kaizens, or continuous improvements efforts.
Engineer V: High proficiency with Lean Manufacturing, Lean NPD, waste reduction.
Engineer V: Expert proficiency with many manufacturing processes and methodology.

Nice To Haves

Masters in Engineering is a plus.
Power-BI or AI data analytics tool experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Responsible for completing VAVE engineering assignments: concept/opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, design, cost/value justification, and testing/validation.
Accountabilities include, but are not limited to product cost, value, timing, durability, safety, performance, manufacturability, and quality.
Calculate total cost models to justify/support program approvals.
Ensure documentation requirements are met; project files, engineering drawings, BOM updates, certification reports.
Follow APQP process to ensure “built in” quality.
Responsible for the design and analysis (or oversight of) of engineering design proposals using calculations, testing, CAE methods, or other techniques as needed.
Conduct feasibility studies to identify viable solutions or knowledge gaps.
Research knowledge gaps, develop specific technical expertise to close gaps and facilitate knowledge-based design and development.
Conduct competitive product teardowns to analyze and document competitive cost structures and supply chains.
Procure and coordinate the efforts of outside consultants, labs, suppliers, etc. needed to accomplish project objectives.
Work with NPD and test engineers to gain product insight and collaborate for solution validation.
Apply value analysis techniques to find lowest cost, highest value design.
Develop solutions that meet appropriate safety standards; work with NPD teams, safety engineers, and testing agencies to obtain necessary approvals/certifications.
Plan and manage projects.
Use data analytics tools to identify and prioritize opportunities.
Work with engineering management to develop formal project proposals and execution plans.
Work with collaborators to establish program requirements.
Assist with DVPR development and facilitation.
Project management: leads/coordinates project execution with cross functional partners.
Report project status to management.
Assist management with training other employees in technical areas.
Keep current with industry/supply chain/manufacturing developments, technology, competitive products, etc.
Applies “Total Quality” principles in the daily performance of the job.
Engineer IV: Lead engineering activities to support enterprise/strategic supply chain productivity projects.
Engineer IV: Collaborate to develop VAVE related data analytics tools.
Engineer IV: Maintain productivity tracking databases, provide reporting data.
Engineer IV: Develop and deploy cost models for competitive teardowns.
Engineer IV: Lead VAVE activities, support and prioritize work of junior team members.
Engineer V: Assist management with establishing productivity strategy, goals, tools, and approaches.
Engineer V: Track team performance against specified goals, adjust action plans to meet goals.
Engineer V: Lead teardowns, cross functional productivity events/efforts, scope development for VAVE data analytics tools.