Grainger is a broad line, business-to-business distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies and other related products and services. More than 3.2 million businesses and institutions worldwide rely on Grainger for products such as safety gloves, ladders, motors and janitorial supplies, along with services like inventory management and technical support. These customers represent a broad collection of industries including commercial, government, healthcare and manufacturing. They place orders online, on mobile devices, through sales representatives, over the phone and at local branches. Approximately 5,000 suppliers provide Grainger with more than 1.6 million products stocked in Grainger’s distribution centers and branches worldwide.

Primary Function

• Build cost models based on understanding of product material composition and manufacturing process
• Utilize scaling of similar processes and materials to align cost model to similar items across an item category
• Be relied upon as technical expert on item cost model during supplier negotiations
• Assist the product evaluations and testing for the product category portfolio of products to ensure compliance with all quality, performance, safety and reliability specifications and standards

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Disassemble finished products and create a bill of materials (BOM)
• Research cost inputs including raw materials, manufacturing processes, labor and machine inputs for manufacturing the product
• Utilizing cost-modeling software to build an estimated “should cost” model and work cross-functionally with Grainger business partners
• Utilize scaling of similar processes and materials to align cost model to similar items across an item category
• Evaluate and analyze new and existing products for compliance with performance, quality, reliability and safety specifications and standards.
• Assist the tests and product comparison testing in order to recommend product improvements, technology improvements or cost saving opportunities.
• Utilize allocated resources efficiently to complete tasks on time and in cost effective manner.
• Support product improvement based on findings of testing and evaluation.
• Support engineering test equipment and supplies management.
• Communicate and interface effectively with Product Engineer, Testing Engineers, Supplier Quality Engineers, Engineering Support, Global Sourcing, Supplier Management, Merchandising etc. regarding all product portfolio matters. 
• Maintain technical information accuracy.

Preferred Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related technical discipline is required.
• 1+ years relevant work experience in a similar capacity is required. Electrical, mechanical or manufacturing engineering areas of study are required.
• Diverse work experience background that is inclusive of all of the following areas: Laboratory, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Field Service is preferred
• Must be detail oriented.
• Redirects attention effectively to new and different priorities as directed by senior staff.
• Proven engineering skills are required in product analysis and failures, technical problem solving, and multi-tasking.
• Ability to procure, read, understand, and interpret technical reports, specifications and test data.
• Ability to communicate effectively, willingness to work in a dynamic team environment, a healthy attitude and a keen sense of urgency in completing tasks on time.
• Set a high personal integrity in conducting business with suppliers worldwide. Ensure compliance to the laws, business guidelines and ethical standards set by Grainger as well as local and the U.S. governments.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of various hand tools, power tools and test equipment meters.
• Able to travel 5-10% of time.

EEOC Statement

Grainger is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.