Building Automation System Hardware Design Engineer
Carrier
Staff Mechanical Engineer – VE
Generac
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Waukesha • Nevada, Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteJob Level
Lead
Tech Stack
Assembly
About the role
- Serve as the cost optimization expert for the mechanical engineering team—providing guidance, methodologies, and best practices for cost-effective design
- Coach and mentor mechanical engineers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and cost-driven design principles
- Lead technical design reviews with a cost optimization lens, challenging assumptions and identifying opportunities early
- Develop and disseminate cost optimization frameworks and tools that the engineering team can leverage independently
- Create design guidelines that embed cost consciousness into the engineering workflow
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve dynamic cost models for mechanical components and assemblies across both new product development (NPI) and sustaining engineering programs
- Own the Mechanical Costed Bill of Materials (MCBOM) and ensure accuracy at all stages of product development—from concept through production
- Conduct should-cost analysis using industrial engineering principles: time studies, work content analysis, process capability assessment
- Build parametric cost models that engineers can use to evaluate design trade-offs in real-time
- Identify cost drivers and quantify the financial impact of design decisions with data-driven analysis
- Proactively identify and prioritize opportunities for cost reduction and cost avoidance across the mechanical product portfolio
- Plan, lead, and execute major value engineering projects from concept to realized savings
- Drive systematic cost optimization initiatives using industrial engineering methodologies (process mapping, waste elimination, standardization)
- Develop business cases and ROI analyses for proposed design and process changes
- Track and report project progress, savings realized, and cost avoidance metrics
- Partner with mechanical design engineers to influence cost-effective design decisions throughout the development cycle
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to optimize production processes and reduce labor content
- Work with quality and test teams to ensure cost optimizations don't compromise product performance or reliability
- Support sourcing team during RFQ processes with detailed should-cost models and technical cost assessments
- Facilitate communication between engineering, operations, and commercial teams to align on cost targets and trade-offs
- Conduct periodic supplier visits (up to 30% travel) to understand manufacturing processes, capabilities, and cost structures
- Apply industrial engineering principles to analyze supplier operations and identify improvement opportunities
- Challenge supplier quotes with detailed should-cost analysis based on process understanding
- Collaborate with suppliers on value engineering proposals and design optimization opportunities
- Assess manufacturing feasibility and cost implications of design alternatives
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (Industrial Engineering strongly preferred)
- 10+ years of experience combining: Industrial engineering (cost analysis, process optimization, time studies, work measurement) Mechanical product design and development High-volume manufacturing environment experience Cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and MCBOM management Industrial engineering methodologies (Lean, process mapping, time studies, capacity analysis) Coaching and influencing engineering teams on cost optimization Proven track record of leading value engineering projects with measurable cost savings and team impact Experience working with suppliers on cost negotiations, process improvements, and technical discussions Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, CREO, or similar) to evaluate designs and identify optimization opportunities Advanced analytical skills with Excel and cost modeling tools Excellent communication and coaching skills to guide engineers, influence decisions, and translate technical concepts into financial impact Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with ability to influence without direct authority Ability to travel up to 30% including occasional international travel
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working hours
- Professional development budget
- Home office setup allowance
- Global team events
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
cost optimizationDesign for Manufacturability (DFM)Design for Assembly (DFA)should-cost analysiscost modelingMechanical Costed Bill of Materials (MCBOM)process mappingLean methodologiestime studiescapacity analysis
Soft skills
coachingmentoringcommunicationcross-functional collaborationinfluencinganalytical skillsproblem-solvingleadershipproject managementnegotiation
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial EngineeringBachelor’s degree in Manufacturing EngineeringBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
