VAVE Electrical Engineering Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The VAVE EE Manager is responsible for leading a specialized engineering team focused on Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) within the Electrical Engineering domain. This role entails planning, organizing, and directing component and DFM engineers’ activities to meet company objectives, drive cost efficiencies, and enhance product quality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment and Retention:

• Recruit, interview, and hire team members with technical and leadership strengths to ensure a well-rounded and competent team.

• Communicate hiring criteria to recruiters, emphasizing the need for complementary skills within VAVE and DFM disciplines.

• Monitor team retention and turnover, identifying factors for improvement to maintain a stable and motivated team.

Employee and Team Development:

• Identify team strengths and areas for development, creating tailored training and development plans.

• Mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Develop and implement succession plans, ensuring the longevity and resilience of the VAVE and DFM functions.

Performance Management:

• Set clear, measurable objectives for individual team members and the team as a whole, aligned with operational goals.

• Provide ongoing feedback and performance coaching, using insights from peers and team assessments to guide improvement.

• Conduct formal performance evaluations, recognizing accomplishments and identifying growth opportunities.

Communication:

• Facilitate open, transparent communication within the team and across departments, ensuring alignment and collaboration.

• Tailor communication style to effectively convey ideas and information to diverse audiences.

• Encourage input from team members, fostering an inclusive environment where ideas are freely exchanged.

Strategic Guidance:

• Provide high-level oversight and strategic direction, ensuring the team’s work aligns with broader business objectives.

• Leverage team expertise in VAVE and DFM to guide project execution and drive successful outcomes.

• Ensure best practices are followed, even in areas where the manager may need to gain deep technical expertise.

FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Strategy and Direction:

• Understand and align with campus strategic directions and how they apply to the team’s objectives.

• Develop an understanding of the Workcell business strategy as it pertains to the team’s contributions and align projects accordingly.

• Provide regular updates to the BUM and Worldwide Director of Design Services on strategy execution and progress.

Cost Management:

• Identify and implement cost-reduction strategies by streamlining processes, consolidating tasks, and eliminating non-value-added activities.

• Monitor and manage departmental costs using available tools, ensuring continuous value improvement.

• Communicate cost trends and opportunities to peers, BUMs, and the Worldwide Director of Design Services.

• Oversee the creation and submission of project proposals and quotations, focusing on accuracy and strategic alignment.

Forecast Development and Accuracy:

• Prepare and manage forecasts for the department, ensuring they are timely and accurate.

• Analyze and compare forecast results with historical data for trend assessment, making necessary adjustments to align with current objectives.

• Continuously refine forecasting methods to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the department.

TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direction on design and development activities to improve, modify, or create new products and processes, ensuring they meet cost, quality, and manufacturability targets.

• Oversee key projects and processes, including performance reports, data analysis, and the implementation of corrective actions where necessary.

• Select, develop, and supervise staff, establishing clear individual goals and tailored training plans supporting team and project needs.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs that align with company objectives and industry best practices, ensuring consistent application across the team.

• Analyze and evaluate new components and development tools, guiding their integration into existing projects and processes.

• Monitor technology trends and market demand, using insights to plan and prioritize projects that align with business strategy.

• Collaborate with management and production teams to assess engineering feasibility and cost-effectiveness of new designs or modifications.

• Ensure proper documentation for all projects, including design changes, testing results, and final specifications.

• Select appropriate design concepts and technologies for new products or improvements, balancing innovation with practicality and cost considerations.

• Lead the design and development of new components or redesign existing components to enhance product performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Determine and establish specifications through rigorous engineering calculations and layouts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with project requirements.

• Adhere to all safety and health regulations and ensure team compliance with these standards and company security policies.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to evolving project and business needs.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred but not required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8-10 years of engineering experience, ideally focusing on VAVE and/or DFM.

• Experience in a leadership or managerial role within a design or manufacturing environment is desired.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, focusing on achieving strategic objectives and maintaining quality standards.

• High-performance orientation, attention to detail, market knowledge, and sound judgment.

• Ability to build and leverage partnerships, implement change, and manage projects effectively.

• Proficiency in using personal computers and Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required.

• Advanced PC skills, including experience with Jabil’s software packages or similar integrated systems like SAP.