Engineer_VAVE

Kohler; India; On-site; INR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Kohler is seeking an entry-level Engineer – VAVE Design in India to support cost-optimization while preserving function, quality and reliability. You will assist with CAD modeling, drawings, BOM analysis, benchmarking and teardown activities across bathroom product lines.

Under guidance, you will help develop cost-effective designs, participate in design-to-cost activities, and coordinate with global cross-functional teams on sourcing and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 1 to 3 years of experience in Product Design, VAVE, Cost Engineering
• Master’s degree in engineering design or related discipline with 1 to 2 years of relevant internship 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

Responsibilities

• 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 elevate risks or gaps to the VAVE Design leader

Job description

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 elevate 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

• Strong 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.