Vave Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

AMETEK is seeking a Senior Manager, Operations Excellence, to drive product cost competitiveness, margin expansion, and operational performance across the MCT Division. This role leads cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations, leading through influence to align manufacturing, global supply chain, distribution, and service teams in the execution of high-impact initiatives. The position will drive operational performance across safety, quality, and supply chain. cost, delivery, and new product development

The ideal candidate brings a strong operations background with demonstrated success in operational execution, Lean, VAVE, and product cost optimization, including BOM simplification, supplier development, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction. This leader will support both tactical execution and strategic initiatives, driving alignment across functions globally while reducing complexity and improving overall operational and financial performance.

Operations & Supply Chain:

• Lead through influence across manufacturing distribution and repair operations to deliver the Division's revenue and profit objectives. Drive Operational Excellence priorities, including cost reduction, quality improvement, new product introduction, acquisition integration and ensuring consistent execution across functions and sites.
• Experience leading product or manufacturing transfers, including site-to-site, outsourcing, or footprint optimization initiatives, preferred
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives to drive product and operational cost improvements, executing structured process improvements while coaching teams to build capability and systematically eliminate waste.
• Build and manage a VAVE pipeline from ideation through execution and financial validation; lead cross-functional workshops to identify design, and process improvements.
• Assemble and communicate business level reports and presentations related to Operations Management. Consolidate Business Division performance reporting on shipments, working capital improvement and material, VAVE and other Operational Excellence savings.
• Lead product and portfolio rationalization, including SKU reduction, variant simplification, and elimination of low-value complexity
• Partner with Engineering to challenge specifications and redesign products to optimize function vs. cost while maintaining quality
• Work with Supply Chain to develop strategies that improve Total Cost of Ownership and supplier performance
• Supports & lead operational workstreams in due diligence and integration of acquisitions
• Support the development and deployment of Strategic Initiatives across the Division.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Establish goals and KPIs that deliver real-time actionable information across Operations Engineering, Test Engineering, Production builds, Supply Chain and Logistics.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of manufacturing strategy and readiness to support business objectives.
• Establish metrics, measurements, tools to improve efficiency and communication; ensuring the requirements of the customer are met, optimizing product value, reducing cost and ensuring on time delivery.

Qualifications:

• 6-10+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, or supply chain, with demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives. Multi-site experience
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred
• Proven experience in Lean, VAVE, and product cost optimization, including BOM, sourcing, and design simplification
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and supply chain dynamics
• Preferred Experience applying 80/20 for product rationalization
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems, planning, and inventory management processes

Traits & Experiences We Value:

• Strong business and financial acumen with focus on margin, COGS, and value creation
• Ability to lead through influence across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Skilled in identifying and executing high-impact cost reduction and VAVE initiatives
• Capability to challenge assumptions and drive design, and operational decisions
• Strong problem-solving mindset with structured, data-driven approach
• Effective communicator with ability to engage stakeholders from shop floor to leadership
• Results-oriented with demonstrated ability to deliver measurable financial impact
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, multi-site environment with competing priorities
• Strong analytical and project execution skills with disciplined follow-through
• Ability to build trust and drive alignment across cross-functional and global teams
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs