Project Value Engineer

Location: Urbana, OH

Job Title: Project Value Engineer

Rittal is a leading global provider of solutions for industrial enclosures, power distribution, climate control, and IT infrastructure, as well as software and services. The company is a member of the Friedhelm Loh Group, a successful international player with 18 production plants, 80 subsidiaries, and 12,000 employees.

• Lead Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) workshops with cross‑functional teams to identify and prioritize cost‑reduction opportunities.
• Analyze product designs, materials, and manufacturing processes to propose and implement cost‑saving changes.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking to identify cost gaps and improvement targets.

• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for cost‑reduction initiatives, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and budget‑compliant project completion.
• Track and report KPIs for cost savings and project success.
• Present regular updates to management on project status, results, and future opportunities.

• Perform detailed technical analysis of components and assemblies to identify alternative materials, manufacturing methods, or design changes.
• Apply sheet metal fabrication knowledge (e.g., punching, laser cutting, forming, welding) to optimize designs for cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure new product designs meet target cost goals.
• Serve as a mandatory checkpoint in the design process for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and BOM cost reviews.

• Partner with purchasing to evaluate supplier proposals, negotiate costs, and identify alternative vendors.
• Review BOMs to identify high‑cost components and lead efforts to source cost‑effective alternatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 2–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in sheet metal fabrication.
• Proven experience in project management and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Strong technical background in mechanical design and sheet‑metal processes.
• Preferred proficiency in CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex data and perform cost‑benefit analysis.
• Experience managing project budgets and timelines.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may contact the company’s Human Resources Department at (937) 399‑0500.

Rittal LLC and Eplan are proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. EEO, including Disability/Vets.