PRODUCT COST ENGINEER

The Product Cost Engineer supports the department and the business as a whole by providing analysis of current and potential future costs at the item (part, component, assembly or raw material) level.  Through cost breakdown analysis this position will provide a critical understanding of sub-tier costs associated with items purchased by Malibu Boats, Inc. (MBI) and collectively MBI’s business units.  This position, in association with colleagues and internal customers, will communicate results and make recommendations for mitigation and/or improvement.  The Product Cost Engineer also provides program support for validation and qualification of new parts, components and assemblies when required.  The Product Cost Engineer is expected to use their strong skills in product engineering and data mining of internal and external data sources to provide a level of cost visibility and analysis to guide specific strategies and tactics within the supply chain.  The Product Cost Engineer is a detail-oriented individual who is self-motivated, able to multi-task and support numerous colleagues and initiatives and who possesses the curiosity, competitiveness, drive and tenacity to achieve execution excellence.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Own and lead the execution of cost estimating and modeling processes for parts and materials purchased across the organization, continuously improving accuracy and effectiveness at all development stages.
• Lead the creation, refinement and deployment of detailed should-cost models providing data-driven insights for critical decision-making.
• Develops, deploys and participates in should-cost modeling, Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE), Design-to-Cost (DtC), etc. identifying cost reduction strategies, and value capture opportunities.
• Demonstrate ownership in communicating and presenting critical cost estimation strategies, embedding best practices across teams to build long-term capabilities in the organization.
• Take full responsibility for gathering, extracting, and compiling data from various sources
• Uses analytics, KPIs, indices, benchmarks and other tools to develop, update and maintain should-cost models
• Participates in the development of purchase value analysis models
• Assists and/or coordinates validation and qualification of new parts
• Works with procurement, product engineering and category managers to identify high value categories to target for cost modelling
• Communicates findings and recommendations by creating consistent, standardized reports, papers and presentations
• Maintains and facilitates a library of data and completed works
• Tracks and reports results related to should-cost target setting 
• Acts as a resource, consultant and challenger within the department and the overall procurement organization to achieve objectives and targets
• Makes recommendations, when appropriate, to identify potential cost savings or cost avoidance opportunities
• Able to identify areas of risk within the design, manufacture or processing of a specific item, group of items or commodity group and is able to develop or recommend approaches to mitigate such risk
• Works as a member of a cross functional team
• Other tasks as assigned

#MBICareers #MalibuBoats

Qualifications:

• Must possess an engineering background and the ability to analyze (de-construct or reverse-engineer) an item (part, component, assembly or raw material) and in such identify its content, construction and cost.
• Candidates possess analytical and problem-solving skills with an in-depth knowledge of engineering materials, manufacturing methods, and cost estimating
• Ability to turn data into insights
• Proficiency using aPriori, Facton or similar digital cost modeling tools
• Ability to take ownership and deliver end-product with minimal supervision
• Experience developing a cost savings strategy
• Understanding of basic supply chain principles, processes, tools and practices.
• Understanding of business operations and financial impacts through the supply chain.
• Very strong quantitative and analytical skills relating to cost analysis and management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Good market / industry information analysis skills and knowledge of supply markets.
• Ability to work with and lead individuals and teams at all organizational levels.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret business documents, specifications, drawings and data.

• Ability to make calculations related to product engineering.
• Knowledge of general business computer software and aptitude to learn new software applications.

Education and/or Experience                                             

• Bachelor's degree (BA) or equivalent from a four-year college or university in mechanical engineering or a related field preferred; or five plus years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five plus years of progressive experience executing tear-down, reverse-engineering, de-construction analysis, should-cost models
• Ability to read and understand design and manufacturing drawings
• Ability to, if and when required, guide or create design and manufacturing drawings
• Experience executing Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE), Design-to-Cost (DtC) or Design-to-Value (DtV) models

Language Skills                                            

• Strong communications skills in a variety of mediums.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical documents, reports, data, procedures, or governmental regulations in English. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, electronic mail, work instructions and procedures, as examples, in English.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, suppliers, internal customers and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to effectively conduct meetings in person and with technology assistance.

Mathematical Skills                                                 

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
• Ability to compute data using standardized and complicated formulae.
• Ability to calculate volumes, quantities, discounts, proportions, percentages, etc.
• Ability to make calculations such as discounts, freight estimates, dimensional weight, invoices, and percentages.
• Ability to utilize data to make business decisions. 
• Ability to perform calculations, comparisons and operations using different currencies and units of measure.

Reasoning Ability                                                     

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Other Qualifications:

• Advanced use of technology (spreadsheets, email, word processing and presentation software)
• Influences others to act in support of ideas, programs, or causes to elevate MBI

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Continuous/C = 67-100%, Frequent/F = 33-66%, Occasional/O = 33%, None/N

1. Sits            7 hours
2. Stands       0 hours
3. Walks        1 hours
4. Drives        0 hours

Employee Lifts and/or Carries:  type amount of weight in each area

Maximum 20 (lbs)                  Frequently 2 (lbs)                    Occasionally 5 (lbs)

Employee uses Hands for repetitive activities: 

1. Simple Grasping -              Right Frequent                      Left Frequent
2. Pushing/Pulling -              Right   Occasional                   Left Occasional
3. Fine Manipulation -          Right   Frequent                      Left Frequent

Employee uses Feet for repetitive activities: 

1. Right -   Occasional                       b.  Left - Occasional

Employee is required to perform these activities: 

1. Bending-At-Waist            Occasional
2. Squatting                           Occasional
3. Climbing - Ladders, Stairs            Occasional
4. Kneeling - On Ground      Occasional
5. Reaching - Above Shoulder         Occasional

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job (ie; heat/cold, dust/dampness, height; chemical; noise) PPE requirements are included. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Typical 8-to-10-hour workdays (depending upon weekly schedule).
• Typical 4- or 5-day work week schedule.
• Overtime is occasional to frequent based on a number of factors.
• Required to work indoors, year round and in all weather conditions.
• Some travel may be required.
• May be required to work during production shutdowns or other “off schedule” periods to conduct special or on-going activities.

Competencies:  To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

General:

• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, in person or remote from other team members, customers or suppliers
• Is accountable and dependable
• Is adaptability and flexibility
• Is curious and competitive
• Creative & Innovative Thinker
• High energy and enthusiastic
• Tenacious and Driven to succeed
• Strong Decision Making & Judgment
• Good conflict resolution skills
• Ethics & Integrity
• Tells the truth and is honest in all dealings

Teamwork: 

• Influences others to act in support of ideas, programs, or causes to elevate MBI.
• Builds relationships with teammates so that efforts are received in a positive, developmental manner.
• Maintains an objective, neutral stance. Shows respect for the needs and perspectives of all sides in the negotiation process.

Motivation: 

• Desires to understand cost drivers and elements that make up an item
• Leads by example and sets standards for professional behavior. Helps those in need of assistance, regardless of rank.
• Conveys confidence in a group’s ability to prevail over challenges to reach its goals.
• Addresses issues in an open, constructive, professional manner, and persuades others to approach issues in the same manner.

Quality: 

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure a high standard of quality.

Attendance/Punctuality:  

• Consistently attends work and on time and complies with Malibu Boats attendance policy.

Dependability: 

• Takes responsibility for own actions and is honest.