Job Details

Cost & Value Engineer (CVE)

An established manufacturer within the aerospace, defense, and industrial technology sector is seeking a Cost & Value Engineer (CVE) to support product cost optimization throughout the full product lifecycle. This onsite role partners with engineering, procurement, finance, and supplier teams to improve product value while reducing overall costs. The position also plays an important role in business capture activities by developing accurate cost estimates that support pricing and proposal decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply Cost & Value Engineering (CVE) methodologies to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead cost optimization initiatives across manufacturing processes, technologies, and supplier operations.
• Coordinate and support cost estimating efforts for customer proposals and new business opportunities.
• Translate technical and engineering information into detailed, defensible cost models.
• Perform cost analysis focused on design-for-cost and design-for-assembly principles.
• Maintain and analyze historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy for future proposals.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, Finance, and Supplier Quality teams on strategic cost initiatives.
• Present estimating results and recommendations to leadership while meeting critical proposal deadlines.
• Support cross-functional projects that improve product competitiveness and financial performance.
• Travel approximately 10% domestically and internationally.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing support, engineering, or project-focused environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, mechanical drawings, and 3D models.
• Experience performing bottom-up cost estimating and cost analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute to cross-functional projects.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in deadline-driven environments.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting proposal development or business capture activities.
• Knowledge of supplier cost optimization and value chain improvement initiatives.
• Background in aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, or other highly engineered products.

Key Skills Required

• Cost & Value Engineering (CVE)
• Bottom-up Cost Estimating
• Manufacturing Cost Analysis
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Engineering Drawings & 3D Model Interpretation
• Executive Presentation Skills
• Design for Cost (DFC)
• Design for Assembly (DFA)

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (where applicable)
• Flexible paid time off and company holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Mentorship and leadership development programs
• Inclusive workplace culture with employee resource groups and team-building opportunities

Why This Location? Christiansburg, Virginia offers access to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains with abundant outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, and fishing. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living than many metropolitan areas, a growing dining scene, nearby Virginia Tech cultural and sporting events, and a high quality of life with convenient access to larger cities while maintaining a welcoming community atmosphere.