Project Engineer, Cost Reduction / Materials

This position will be responsible for planning, implementing and driving cost reduction projects to achieve various program targets with a cross functional team. Will identify alternate materials, processes and suppliers to improve quality and reduce costs to existing product applications.

Will consult with various suppliers of metals, ceramics, and polymers, etc? during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications. The successful candidate will evaluate technical and economic factors to recommend engineering and manufacturing actions for attainment of design objectives of process or product by applying knowledge of material science and related technologies. Will plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures for validating new materials to fulfill product cost and performance standards.

Must be a team player and work successfully with all functional departments and facilities including supply chain, R&D engineering, sales/marketing, plant manufacturing and quality assurance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 Supports engineering, operations and supply chain with identifying materials to best meet program objectives.
 Supports commodities management on strategic sourcing initiatives by identifying materials for related cost reduction or process improvement programs.
 Designs and coordinates engineering tests, experiments and fixtures to validate materials.
 Participates in product and component design a review at the critical product development stages of concept, prototype and production.
 Facilitates the development of specifications for raw materials with suppliers and internal resources.
 Supports resolution of material related product integrity issues such as product returns, field failures, etc?
 Performs troubleshooting on new and existing products/process problems as related to design, material, or processes.
 Works closely with operations and R&D to understand materials quality issues and assist with the corrective action process to eliminate such issues.
 Communicates effectively with all areas of the organization.
 Selects the best combination of materials for specific purposes.
 Considers the implications for waste and other environmental pollution of any product or process.
 Advises on plant adaptability to new processes and materials.
 Helps to ensure that products comply with national and international legal and quality standards.
 Explores new materials, technologies and processes.



EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION NEEDED

BS in Engineering with 2-5 years Materials experience. Metallurgy or Engineering Materials education would be preferred.
Strong knowledge of plastics, sheet metal, stamping, ceramics, polymers, and electrical components.
Understanding of the controls business, competitive products, market requirements, and applicable technologies a big plus.
Must be project oriented, have superior verbal and written communications skills, as well as people skills.
Must be proactive, forward thinking, and detail oriented.