Sr. Mechanical Design (VAVE) Engineer - Exmark

Who Are We?     

Exmark, located in Beatrice, Nebraska is a division of The Toro Company. Exmark is the leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment for the landscape professional. Exmark mowers are trusted 2-to-1 over the next best-selling brand of zero-turn mowers by landscape professionals. All Exmark products are designed to help customers increase productivity, while delivering unmatched quality. 

The Mechanical Design (VAVE) Engineer will act as project leader for outdoor power equipment Value Analysis-Value Engineering (VAVE) programs, portions of such programs, or special projects. Identify, define, and justify VAVE opportunities. Assist management with the planning and approval phases of programs and then assume full responsibility for executing project plans. Ensure that cost, performance, reliability, safety goals, and DFMA metrics meet established requirements.

What Will You Do?  

In order to grow and build a successful career with The Toro Company, you will be responsible for:  

• Responsible for completing VAVE engineering assignments: concept/opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, design, cost/value justification, and testing/validation. Accountabilities include, but are not limited to product cost, value, timing, durability, safety, performance, manufacturability, and quality.

• Calculate total cost models to justify/support program approvals.

• Ensure documentation requirements are met; project files, engineering drawings, BOM updates, certification reports.

• Follow APQP process to ensure “built in” quality.

• Responsible for the design and analysis (or oversight of) of engineering design proposals using calculations, testing, CAE methods, or other techniques as needed.

• Conduct feasibility studies to identify viable solutions or knowledge gaps

• Research knowledge gaps, develop specific technical expertise to close gaps and facilitate knowledge-based design and development.

• Conduct competitive product teardowns to analyze and document competitive cost structures and supply chains.

• Procure and coordinate the efforts of outside consultants, labs, suppliers, etc. needed to accomplish project objectives.

• Work with NPD and test engineers to gain product insight and collaborate for solution validation.

• Apply value analysis techniques to find lowest cost, highest value design.

• Develop solutions that meet appropriate safety standards; work with NPD teams, safety engineers, and testing agencies to obtain necessary approvals/certifications.

• Plan and manage projects

  • Use data analytics tools to identify and prioritize opportunities.

  • Work with engineering management to develop formal project proposals and execution plans.

  • Work with collaborators to establish program requirements

  • Assist with DVPR development and facilitation.

  • Project management: leads/coordinates project execution with cross functional partners

  • Report project status to management

• Assist management with training other employees in technical areas.

• Keep current with industry/supply chain/manufacturing developments, technology, competitive products, etc.

• Applies “Total Quality” principles in the daily performance of the job.

Engineer IV

• Lead engineering activities to support enterprise/strategic supply chain productivity projects

• Collaborate to develop VAVE related data analytics tools

• Maintain productivity tracking databases, provide reporting data

• Develop and deploy cost models for competitive teardowns

• Lead VAVE activities, support and prioritize work of junior team members

Engineer V

• Assist management with establishing productivity strategy, goals, tools, and approaches.

• Track team performance against specified goals, adjust action plans to meet goals

• Lead teardowns, cross functional productivity events/efforts, scope development for VAVE data analytics tools

.

What Do You Need?  

To be considered for this role, an individual should meet the following minimal requirements:  

• Bachelor’s Mechanical, Aeronautical, Agricultural, Industrial and Manufacturing or equivalent engineering degree required.

  Engineer III, 5-7 years of relevant professional experience.

• Engineer IV, 8-12 years of relevant professional experience.

• Engineer V, 13+ years of relevant experience.

• Experience with broad design and manufacturing process knowledge is preferred: steel fabrication, heat treat, metallurgy, plastics, rubber, powder metal, die casting, forging, coatings, fasteners, adhesives, composites, driveline components, electrification, lighting, controls, packaging, etc.

• Must be able to create and analyze component or system level design concepts with autonomy. 

• Has demonstrated a high level of productivity, competency, and technical aptitude in the execution of duties.

Experience Preferred:

• Masters in Engineering

• SAP experience preferred. Power-BI or AI data analytics tool experience is a plus.

• Experience with Lean NPD, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement is highly preferred.

• Formal project management or time management training and/or experience are preferred.

• Experience with development of engineering drawings, GD&T, and metrology are preferred.

Engineer IV

• Experience directing work of drafters, designers, and junior engineers

• High proficiency with broad design and manufacturing process knowledge

• High proficiency with engineering drawings, GD&T, and metrology

• Experience leading cross functional teams through projects of significant complexity

Engineer V

• Previous experience working with great autonomy, developing strategies, setting priorities, and making decisions that result in highly successful goal attainment

• Highly proficient with people/partnership/leadership skills

• Experience leading productivity events, Kaizens, or continuous improvements efforts

• High proficiency with Lean Manufacturing, Lean NPD, waste reduction

• Expert proficiency with many manufacturing processes and methodology

What Can We Give You?     

At Exmark, we are always working to make sure our employees know just how valued they are. In addition to a competitive salary, an affordable and top tier medical/dental/vision plan, 401k, and many other great benefits – Exmark offers employees at our Beatrice, NE location a variety of perks, including:  

Dress for your day - We know you're more productive when you're comfortable, which is why employees are encouraged to take advantage of our casual, office-plant blended environment. 

Location – Onsite at Exmark Division Headquarters in Beatrice, NE 68310

Wellness - In addition to physical wellbeing, TTC offers a variety of mental health, financial health, and other types of resources to every full-time employee. 

Volunteerism - The Toro Company is proud to provide employees 20 hours of paid time to volunteer in the community. 

Growth Opportunities – TTC prides itself on giving our employees the chance to grow their careers. Tuition reimbursement, opportunities to move into new areas of interest, and promotion opportunities are a few examples.  

Competitive Salary – The pay range takes into account skills, experience, education, and location. It is not common to be hired at or near the top of the range; compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the annual pay range is between ​$90200 - ​$162000​. Cash compensation is one piece of our competitive total rewards package. You may be eligible to participate in an incentive program, which rewards employees based on individual and organizational performance. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by company policy and performance metrics. If you need to, you can access your pay early with the dailypay app.

The Toro Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, or other non-merit factors. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees.

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