Engineering Manager - Design For Excellence

Manager, Design For Excellence (DFX) - Plymouth, MN - Hybrid

Make your mark at the world's largest HVAC company

Daikin Applied is seeking an innovative and results-driven Manager of Design for Excellence (DFX) - DFSS, DFM, DFA, DFC, and DFR to lead the integration of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Cost (DFC), and Design for Reliability (DFR) principles into the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in optimizing designs for cost, quality, manufacturability, and reliability, ensuring the company delivers competitive and high-performing products to market. Come be a part of an exciting journey at Daikin Applied, where innovation and excellence drive our every endeavor!

Location: Hybrid, Plymouth, MN

What you will do:

Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)

• Champion the use of Six Sigma tools and methodologies (e.g., MSE, Product and Process maps, DOE, etc.) during the product development process.
• Ensure robust data-driven decision-making and statistical rigor in early-stage design.

Design for Manufacturing (DFM):

• Lead initiatives to ensure designs are optimized for efficient, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to address potential production challenges early in the design phase.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to materials, processes, and equipment.

Design for Assembly (DFA):

• Ensure product designs facilitate simplified and cost-effective assembly processes.
• Promote modular design principles to enhance ease of assembly and reduce labor costs.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve assembly yields and cycle times.

Design for Cost (DFC):

• Drive cost optimization efforts by analyzing and reducing product cost drivers.
• Develop cost models and provide design recommendations to balance performance and cost objectives.
• Partner with procurement and supply chain teams to evaluate material and supplier options.

Design for Reliability (DFR):

• Implement strategies to ensure product designs meet reliability and durability requirements throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct failure mode analysis (e.g., FMEA, FTA) and collaborate with engineering teams to address potential issues.
• Develop and validate reliability test plans and protocols.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor a team of DFX engineers and analysts, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams to align DFX principles with overall business objectives.
• Partner with customers and suppliers to understand requirements and incorporate their feedback into design processes.

Process Improvement and Reporting:

• Establish and maintain best practices, tools, and processes for DFX implementation.
• Track and report DFX metrics to leadership, highlighting key achievements and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead lessons-learned sessions to identify opportunities to improve future designs.

What's in it for you:

• The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth
• The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in product design and development with a strong focus on DFM, DFA, DFC, and DFR.
• 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven expertise in applying DFX principles to complex product designs in industries such as HVAC, automotive, aerospace, electronics, or medical devices.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost drivers.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or similar methodologies.
• Experience with statistical analysis and reliability modeling techniques.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements in relevant industries.
• Proficiency in CAD software, design simulation tools, and reliability analysis tools

Benefits:

• Daikin Applied offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance
• 401K retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and company paid holidays
• Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state and local law
• Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service

The typical annual base salary for this position ranges from $117,300 - $150,300 (plus 15% bonus) in Minnesota. The range displayed represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade which this position falls. Individual base pay will depend on a wide range of factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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