Job Description

R&D VA/VE Engineer Lead

This is an onsite position in Gallatin TN

JOB SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

Beretta is looking to hire an experienced VA/VE Engineer Lead with strong leadership skills as part of expanding growth for the R&D Team. This position will be a key part of the Beretta USA team located in Gallatin, TN.  An ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and be responsible for leading & executing Value Analysis/Value Engineering initiatives aimed at optimizing product costs while maintaining or improving quality. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:   

• Lead by example a Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) Team to design, develop, and test product updates improving the performance, quality, and value to our customers.
• Leverage knowledge of engineering product simplification and product cost take-out practices to identify and execute on value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives.
• Conduct thorough analyses of product designs, manufacturing processes, and supply chain operations to identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, regulatory, manufacturing, and quality to identify, prioritize, and execute (VA/VE) initiatives. 
• Utilize project management best practices to develop comprehensive project plans, establish timelines, allocate resources, and track progress of (VA/VE) initiatives.
• Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to senior management, providing regular updates and recommendations for course corrections as needed.
• Partner with suppliers to evaluate alternative materials, components, and manufacturing processes that offer cost savings without compromising product quality or performance.
• Research and stay up to date with industry trends and competitive products and incorporate improvements into your work.
• Manage design & introduction activities for the expansion of existing product lines.
• Ownership of loading & maintaining product bill of materials into the MRP system.
• Support resource for ongoing New Product Development project activities.
• Directs the initiatives to maintain and improve the CAD/PLM systems, analysis tools, & software utilized by R&D team. 
• Perform all other responsibilities, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/ABILITIES:

• Experience delivering design and non-design changes in a manufactured products field. Firearms industry experience preferred.
• Proficient in the design of parts, assemblies, & drawings for all common manufacturing processes.
• Financial acumen with experience in cost analysis, budget management, and ROI evaluation.
• Demonstrated success with proven track record for leading complex projects in an Engineering / Technical field, preferred experienced in firearms industry. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex data, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with new product development processes, Waterfall & Agile.
• The ability to set high standards for results (refuse to fail demeanor), and once achieved, raises the standards even higher. 
• Track record of leading others to pursue goals and challenging the status quo to develop breakthrough solutions.
• Create an environment that encourages risk-taking & inclusion of varied perspectives.
• Metric driven attitude with high level of accountability for performance.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently required to continuously stand for long periods.
• Frequently required to fire extremely large amounts of ammunition of all calibers through all types of firearms.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Quality Engineering, or similar Engineering/Technical Discipline. 
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in sustaining, value engineering, product simplification and cost take-out.
• 3+ years leading and managing engineers or technologists.