Mechanical Engineer - Cost Optimization

MSA, The Safety Company • $80K — $95K *

Cranberry Township, PA 16066In-Person

Manufacturing & Automotive

Less than 5 years of experience

Today

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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Hands-on mechanical product design and development experience using 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks.
Experience with plastics, materials, manufacturing processes, mechanical components, or electro-mechanical systems.
Working knowledge of FEA, tolerance analysis, and validation methods.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, business, and project-management skills.
Ability to collaborate across functions and drive work through implementation.

Responsibilities

Support and participate in VA/VE workshops, product teardowns, benchmarking, and design-to-cost activities.
Identify opportunities through part consolidation, modularity, material alternatives, specification optimization, and process improvements.
Create and evaluate concepts using CAD, FEA, fatigue analysis, tolerance analysis, prototyping, and testing.
Apply DFM, DFA, DFS, and other DFX methods.
Develop drawings, specifications, BOM updates, analyses, test plans, and engineering change documentation.
Coordinate prototype builds, testing, release, and implementation.
Lead or support multiple cross-functional cost optimization projects and communicate results.
Document technical outcomes and validated savings.

Benefits

Directly influence product profitability and competitiveness.
Drive high-impact redesign and value engineering initiatives from idea through implementation.
Work across product lines, materials, manufacturing processes, and global operations.
Partner with multiple departments including Engineering, Product Management, and Manufacturing.
See your engineering decisions tracked through validated, measurable cost savings.
Build broad business acumen while remaining engaged in technical work.

Full Job Description

Make an Impact Across the Business

Are you a Mechanical Engineer who enjoys solving complex product challenges and seeing your ideas implemented? Join the global Value Engineering & Cost Optimization team and help improve products used around the world. In this highly visible role, you will combine mechanical design expertise, value engineering, and cross-functional execution to reduce product cost, strengthen competitiveness, and deliver measurable business results without compromising safety, quality, performance, or customer value.

Why This Role Is Different

Directly influence product profitability and competitiveness.
Drive high-impact redesign and value engineering initiatives from idea through implementation.
Work across product lines, materials, manufacturing processes, and global operations.
Partner with Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, suppliers, and leadership.
See your engineering decisions tracked through validated, measurable cost savings.
Build broad business acumen while remaining deeply engaged in technical work.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

Support and participate in VA/VE workshops, product teardowns, benchmarking, and design-to-cost activities.
Identify opportunities through part consolidation, modularity, material alternatives, specification optimization, and process improvements.
Create and evaluate concepts using CAD, FEA, fatigue analysis, tolerance analysis, prototyping, and testing.
Apply DFM, DFA, DFS, and other DFX methods.
Develop drawings, specifications, BOM updates, analyses, test plans, and engineering change documentation.
Coordinate prototype builds, testing, release, and implementation.
Lead or support multiple cross-functional cost optimization projects and communicate results.
Document technical outcomes and validated savings.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
Hands-on mechanical product design and development experience using 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks.
Experience with plastics, materials, manufacturing processes, mechanical components, or electro-mechanical systems.
Working knowledge of FEA, tolerance analysis, and validation methods.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, business, and project-management skills.
Ability to collaborate across functions and drive work through implementation.

Preferred Experience

Value engineering, cost optimization, design-to-cost, benchmarking, or should-cost analysis.
Lean Six Sigma certification or practical continuous improvement experience.
SAP or similar ERP/MRP experience and BOM/document-control knowledge.
Regulated or safety-critical product development and experience with UL, CSA, or related agencies.

Career levels

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

Level II - 2 years of relevant experience.
Level III - 3 years of relevant experience.
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.

Who Will Thrive Here?

Engineers who want to influence business decisions, not only create designs.
People who enjoy questioning assumptions and solving technical and cost challenges.
Hands-on owners who move ideas from concept to validated implementation.
Collaborators who communicate clearly across technical, manufacturing, sourcing, and leadership teams.
Professionals motivated by measurable results and visible impact.

If you're looking for a role where your engineering expertise directly contributes to company growth, product competitiveness, and millions of dollars in business value, this is the opportunity for you!

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About MSA, The Safety Company

MSA, The Safety Company Careers

Join the dedicated team at MSA, The Safety Company, a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. MSA is recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality, and service.

Explore Job Opportunities

MSA, The Safety Company offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Each position at MSA is designed to contribute significantly to the safety and protection of lives at work and beyond.

Professional Growth and Employment Benefits

MSA, The Safety Company is committed to the professional growth of its team members. The company supports career advancement through leadership training programs, diversity initiatives, and continuous learning opportunities. Employment at MSA comes with competitive benefits, fostering a culture that values health, well-being, and job satisfaction.

Internship Programs

For those starting their careers, internships at MSA provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at MSA, The Safety Company work on projects that matter, gaining knowledge and expertise that are crucial for future employment.

Innovation and Leadership

At MSA, innovation is at the core of everything they do. The team is encouraged to lead with creativity and embrace new ideas that drive the industry forward. MSA’s leadership is deeply involved in ensuring that every team member has the resources and support needed to innovate.

Culture of Diversity and Inclusion

The culture at MSA, The Safety Company is built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion. Every team member’s unique background and perspective are valued, contributing to a richer, more creative, and productive work environment.

Networking and Career Development

MSA, The Safety Company encourages its employees to engage in professional networking and career development activities. These opportunities enhance their skills and connect them with professionals across the industry, opening doors to new career possibilities.

Hiring Process

The hiring process at MSA, The Safety Company is thorough, ensuring that both the company and its potential employees are a perfect match. Candidates who submit their resume and pass the initial screening will be invited for an interview to discuss their experiences and career aspirations.

Join the Team

MSA, The Safety Company is looking for passionate, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests on the MSA Careers page. Discover how your expertise can contribute to a safer world.

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