Senior/Principal I Cost Optimization Engineer, Mechanical (Senior/Principal I)

Are you someone who is passionate, motivated, and driven to make a difference? If so, MSA Safety is the perfect fit for your career.

At MSA, SAFETY is who we are AND it is what we do. We are a purpose-driven company committed to deploying innovation and technology to deliver on our Mission to help protect people and assets all around the world. We continue to be relentless in our pursuit of solving our customers greatest problems so they can go home safe each and every day.

Are you in? Read on for more details about this particular role.

Mechanical Engineering and Value Engineering

• Collaborate VA/VE workshops to identify cost reduction and product optimization opportunities.
• Benchmark designs, materials, and processes against alternatives.
• Lead mechanical design modifications from concept through prototype to release.
• Use CAD, FEA, and tolerance analysis to evaluate redesign options.
• Identify simplification opportunities such as part consolidation and modularity.
• Apply DFX principles (DFM/DFA/DFS) to all redesign activities.
• Collaborate with Expert Engineering Guild for complex engineering analysis.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, and engineering change documentation.

Project Leadership

• Support project leader for cost-out, redesign, or optimization projects.
• Support project scope, charters, timelines, and milestones.
• Prepare project reports and updates for leadership.
• Manage prototype builds, testing cycles, and implementation readiness.

Testing, Validation & Implementation

• Define testing requirements for redesigns and ensure standards compliance.
• Support prototyping, lab evaluations, and mechanical performance testing.
• Coordinate release and ensure all documentation is updated.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to multitask in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with both internal and external customers on technical and non-technical matters
• Creative problem-solving and a customer-based perspective
• Solid verbal and written communication skills
• Strong Business Acumen
• Solid project management, interpersonal and analytical skills
• Willingness to work in a hands-on manner
• Proven ability to develop plastic products and components, including knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials and characteristics
• Demonstrated ability to design equipment and electro-mechanical systems
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office, Solidworks, advanced analysis (FEA, Cycle Fatigue, Tolerance Analysis, etc.), and BOM management tools. Knowledge of third party testing agencies such as UL or CSA, and the role they play in the development of safety equipment
• Experience with SAP Engineering and manufacturing document control or similar MRP type system
• Knowledge of design for Manufacturing Assembly using automation
• Proven ability to transform requirements into innovative solutions that creates significant value for both MSA and our customers
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and tasks
• Proven ability to read and interpret technical documentation relating to products and processes

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline, preferably from an ABET-accredited program.

Education Preferred:

• Lean Sigma certification (Green Belt or Blackbelt).

This position is available at one career level based upon experience, education, etc.

• Senior - 5 years of relevant experience.
• Principal I - 7 years of relevant experience.
• MS degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of relevant experience.

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