Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Talent Groups; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An advanced manufacturing firm is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (NPD/VAVE) to enhance manufacturability and cost efficiency across its divisions. This role involves supporting New Product Development initiatives and Value Analysis/Value Engineering efforts. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of relevant experience, proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks, and will collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to ensure successful product launches. Relocation assistance is provided.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or Product Development.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly processes.
• Proficient in Lean Manufacturing practices.

Responsibilities

• Drive manufacturability and cost optimization across client divisions.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturability and Assembly reviews.
• Identify and lead cost reduction projects across product lines.

Skills

Manufacturing Engineering

Collaboration

Project Management

Data Analysis

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Oracle Fusion

Power BI

Job description

Job Title: Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (NPD/VAVE)

Location: Chattanooga, TN (On-Site) (Complete relocation provided by the client)

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Employment Type: Full-Time/Direct Hire

Position Overview

The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (NPD/VAVE) serves as a corporate-level engineering resource responsible for driving manufacturability, cost optimization, and process standardization across all client divisions. This role directly supports New Product Development (NPD) and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives aligned with the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Strategic Business Plan (AME SBP)—focusing on Innovation Enablement, Process Optimization, and Operational Excellence.

The engineer will collaborate cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and Site Manufacturing Engineering to ensure products are designed and industrialized efficiently, safely, and profitably.

Key Responsibilities

1. New Product Development (NPD/NPI)

• Serve as the manufacturing engineering representative on product development teams.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/A) reviews at each design phase.
• Coordinate with Industrial Engineering and AME to develop manufacturing routings, labor standards, and process documentation.
• Support pilot and prototype build to validate design and process capability.
• Identify and resolve manufacturability issues early to reduce late-stage design changes.
• Ensure product launches meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

2. Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE)

• Identify and lead cost reduction projects across product lines focused on material, process, and design efficiency.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Design, and Operations to implement part consolidation and design simplification.
• Maintain a VAVE project funnel and savings dashboard aligned with corporate targets.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking, product teardowns, and process cost studies to support ideation.
• Validate and track cost savings using data‑driven methods (standard labor, BOM impact, etc.).

3. Advanced Manufacturing Standards & Integration

• Support deployment and continuous improvement of corporate AME standards including:
• PFEP (Plan for Every Part)
• Line‑Side Stock (LSS) systems
• MBOM accuracy and process routings
• PFMEA templates and work instruction formats
• Ensure consistent adoption of best practices in fabrication, welding, assembly, and paint processes.
• Partner with AME Systems, IE, and Paint Engineering teams to align new product/process requirements with automation and equipment capabilities.

4. Data & Digital Integration

• Utilize tools such as Oracle Fusion, SigmaNest, Power BI, and Excel‑based models for cost and efficiency analysis.
• Support Industry 4.0 initiatives to bring digital visibility to manufacturing metrics.
• Promote data‑driven decision‑making for capacity planning, labor optimization, and cost competitiveness.

5. Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between Corporate AME, Site ME, Design Engineering, Procurement, and Operations teams.
• Lead NPD/VAVE review meetings and workshops, tracking project progress, risks, and savings realization.
• Provide regular updates to AME leadership on key deliverables, KPIs, and strategic alignment.
• Approve routings and time studies before pilot builds.
• Annual validated VAVE cost savings.
• Standardized AME documentation across divisions.
• Weekly dashboards and KPI updates to leadership.

Qualifications and Competencies

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• 5–10 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Product Development, or VAVE.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, and paint processes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Solid foundation in Lean Manufacturing, PFMEA, Process Flow, and Cost Analysis.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience with Oracle ERP and data visualization tools.