VAVE Program Lead: Cost Reduction & Cross-Functional Leader

A.O. Smith; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Company-sponsored life insurance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A.O. Smith, a global leader in energy-efficient water heating equipment and boilers, seeks a senior engineer to lead VAVE strategy and cross-functional cost-out programs. You will develop cost-out roadmaps, perform DFA/DFM initiatives, and mentor project teams across engineering, operations, and sourcing.

The role emphasizes data-driven analysis, structured problem solving (DMAIC, RCA, A3), and governance to ensure ECN compliance while delivering measurable savings. Hybrid work is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Value Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Proven success delivering costout projects and crossfunctional engineering initiatives.
• Strong analytical capability and proficiency in cost modeling.
• Expertise in structured problem solving (DMAIC, A3, RCA, etc.).
• Experience leading or coordinating crossfunctional teams.
• Technical depth in manufacturing and product engineering.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead VAVE Program Strategy. Develop, prioritize, and communicate the VAVE costout roadmap using data-driven business criteria.
• Execute Cross-Functional Cost-Out Projects. Drive component redesigns, value analysis, DFM/DFA activities, and supplier-focused cost reduction.
• Financial Modeling & Reporting. Create detailed cost models for material, labor, overhead, tooling, and logistics; validate savings with Finance.
• Guide structured problem solving, including the 8-Step Problem Solving methodology, RCA, A3 development, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration. Serve as central communication point between engineering, operations, sourcing, and leadership teams.
• Governance & Compliance. Maintain full documentation, ensure ECN compliance, and champion standardized VAVE processes.
• Lead and Develop Technical Talent. Direct and mentor engineering project managers, designers, and practitioners. Set expectations for execution discipline, documentation rigor, and crossfunctional partnership.
• Resource Planning & Alignment. Manage resource allocation across VAVE initiatives. Partner with functional engineering leaders on staffing alignment and project review structures.
• Technical Governance & Mentorship. Lead teams in DFM/DFA, cost modeling, prototyping approaches, and validation. Coach emerging engineers to build longterm organizational capability.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Value Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Cost Modeling

Structured Problem Solving

DMAIC

A3

RCA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

A.O. Smith, a global leader in energy-efficient water heating equipment and boilers, seeks a senior engineer to lead VAVE strategy and cross-functional cost-out programs. You will develop cost-out roadmaps, perform DFA/DFM initiatives, and mentor project teams across engineering, operations, and sourcing.

The role emphasizes data-driven analysis, structured problem solving (DMAIC, RCA, A3), and governance to ensure ECN compliance while delivering measurable savings. Hybrid work is offered.