Engineer II

BraunAbility Americas; Winamac (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

BraunAbility Americas in Winamac, Indiana is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead Value Analysis/Value Engineering initiatives. This role will involve optimizing product design and manufacturing processes, maintaining cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor's in Engineering and at least 7 years of automotive design experience, along with strong skills in Mechanism design and proficiency in tools like AutoCAD and Inventor.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years work experience in automotive design is required.
• Previous assembly plant launch experience preferred.
• Dimensional Management and Understanding of GD&T required.

Responsibilities

• Drive VA/VE initiatives to optimize product design and processes.
• Execute VA/VE projects including concept, design, prototype, and implementation.
• Work with a cross-functional team to develop feasible designs.

Skills

Mechanism Design knowledge

Vehicle Engineering and Integration

Proficiency in Structural Design

Detailed oriented

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience with AutoCAD and Inventor

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

MS Office

Epicor (ERP)

Job description

Job Description: GENERAL PURPOSE: The Senior Mechanical Engineer will drive our VA/VE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) initiatives. The Senior Engineer will be responsible for the VA/VE as a methodology that is used to optimize product design and manufacturing processes resulting in decreased costs, increased profits, improved quality and performance, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsible for executing VA/VE projects including concept, design, prototype, testing, and implementation.

Identify new innovative ideas for our Vehicle products that improve the customer experience while reducing cost.

Build pipeline of cost reduction ideas through leading internal and external VA/VE events.

Work with cross‑functional team including Portfolio, Sales, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Customer Experience Group and Purchasing to develop feasible designs and business cases for cost reduction ideas.

Utilize rapid prototyping to evaluate concept designs to determine feasibility.

Coordinate with production and purchasing to implement VA/VE projects. Engineer, design and develop new vehicle conversions in CAD (Inventor) Design Mechanism, Suspensions, Structures and Closures (doors & liftgates) Plan for design, procurement, assembly and validation requirements that align with overall Project Timing, Stage Gate (APQP) and Mitigation Strategies. Ensure vehicle Designs & Systems conform to budgeted Quality and Cost targets. Lead Low‑cost Design alternatives, Common Designs and Standardization. Constantly improve designs, processes and timing, maintaining project specifications. Participate in design reviews to assure all vehicle conversions are developed and engineered to meet requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Mechanism Design knowledge is a must, expertise preferred, and how to integrate it into the design, considering all Tolerances involved.
• Understanding of Vehicle Engineering and Integration. Must know what is required for a reliable design.
• Proficiency in Structural Design, sheet metal fabrication, welding processes, LEAN principles.
• Understanding of fuel, exhaust, cooling and braking systems, materials, and industry standards.
• Experience with vehicle compartments like Closures & Suspensions.
• Knowledge of materials and benefits of utilizing one type over the other.
• Solid working knowledge of quality, design and validation tools including FEA, DFA/M, DOE, D/PFMEA, DVP&R, problem solving (8D or similar), GD&T and Tolerance Stack‑up.
• Must be detail‑oriented and a self‑starter.
• Possess the ability to function well under the demands of project due dates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills needed.
• Well organized, accurate and possesses a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively solve and analyze problems.
• Desire to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Prototype fabrication and welding knowledge preferred.
• Experience with Windows (computer), Outlook (email), Inventor, AutoCad, Vault, MS Office and Epicor (ERP).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering is required.

Minimum of 7 years work experience in automotive design is required.

Previous assembly plant launch experience preferred.

Dimensional Management and Understanding of GD&T required.

Experience with Mechanism, Steel and Aluminum part design and manufacturing.

BraunAbility is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.