VAVE Expert

Smiths Detection is seeking a VAVE Expert to drive Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) Functional Analysis and Design-to-Cost methodologies across our global portfolio of security and detection technologies.

This is an engineering-led role not a procurement or sourcing position.

Working at the early stages of product development you will partner with engineering teams to understand the functional purpose of products and assemblies challenge design assumptions and identify innovative ways to deliver optimum customer value at the lowest total lifecycle cost.

You will play a key role in shaping product architecture influencing design decisions improving competitiveness and supporting profitable innovation across our X-ray trace detection and chemical detection product portfolios.

About the Role

As the VAVE Expert you will lead structured functional analysis and value engineering activities across both existing and new products.

Youll work closely with Systems Electronics Mechanical and Product Engineering teams to answer key questions such as:

• What is the true purpose of a product or subsystem
• Is the current design the most effective way of delivering that function
• Can the same customer value be achieved through an alternative architecture technology or design approach
• How can we optimise cost without compromising safety performance quality serviceability or regulatory compliance

This role goes beyond traditional cost engineering. Rather than simply reducing the cost of an existing design you will use formal VAVE methodologies to influence product decisions early in the development lifecycle and maximise value for both customers and the business.

What you will be doing:

• Lead Value Analysis and Value Engineering assessments across new and existing products.
• Facilitate Functional Analysis workshops with engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Break complex products into functional building blocks and assess the value and cost associated with each function.
• Deploy Design-to-Cost and target costing methodologies within New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes.
• Influence concept architecture and design decisions from a value and cost perspective.
• Challenge engineering assumptions and identify opportunities for simplification standardisation and platforming.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking product teardown and reverse-engineering activities.
• Lead supplier value engineering workshops and innovation sessions.
• Support make-versus-buy decisions and technology selection activities.
• Develop business cases for value improvement opportunities.
• Coach teams in VAVE principles tools and best practices.
• Drive measurable cost reduction margin improvement and product competitiveness initiatives.

Working environment: 
This role is primarily aligned to our Hemel Hempstead site but offers a flexible hybrid working model.

There will be periods where youll work closely with engineering teams onsite particularly during intensive VAVE workshops design reviews and early-stage product development activities. Outside of these phases youll have flexibility to work across global teams and projects.

Travel will be required on an occasional basis including:

• Visits to Smiths Detection sites in Europe particularly Wiesbaden Germany.
• Supplier visits and value engineering workshops.
• Project support activities across the wider business.

Why Join Smiths Detection

This is a unique opportunity to establish and grow VAVE capability within a global technology business whose products help protect people and critical infrastructure around the world.

You will have direct influence over product strategy engineering decisions and business performance working alongside industry-leading engineers to deliver innovative solutions with measurable commercial impact.

If youre an engineer passionate about functional analysis value engineering and designing competitive products from the ground up wed love to hear from you.

Qualifications :

• Engineering background in Electronics Electrical Systems Mechanical or Product Engineering.
• Practical experience applying Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) methodologies.
• Strong understanding of Functional Analysis and Design-to-Cost principles.
• Experience working with complex engineered products and assemblies.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience influencing engineering decisions without direct authority.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and systems-thinking capability.
• Eligible for UK SC Clearance 

Desirable

• Electronics engineering background.
• Experience within security screening detection systems aerospace defence medical devices or other highly regulated technology sectors.
• Knowledge of Functional Cost Analysis Target Costing or industry-standard VAVE toolkits.
• Experience conducting product teardown benchmarking and reverse-engineering activities.
• Understanding of DFMA Lean Six Sigma and cost management methodologies.

Additional Information :

Join us and well help build your career with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business both locally and globally. Youll experience an inclusive environment with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. Youll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin economic status disability age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics where we celebrate support and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation including but not limited to interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our careers website.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time