About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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What You’ll Do

The Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level VAVE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) Project Engineer to support cost-reduction and product-improvement projects for HVAC equipment (air-handling units, fan-coil/blower-coil products, VAV systems). This hands-on engineering role will give you experience across product design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing support, and engineering change implementation.

• Support identification and evaluation of cost-reduction opportunities using product reviews, supplier proposals, manufacturing feedback, quality data, and structured teardowns.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Finance, Product Management, suppliers, and test labs to define project requirements and implement improvements.
• Coordinate multiple VAVE projects—track scope, priorities, actions, technical risks, schedules, savings forecasts, testing needs, and implementation status.
• Use SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, and other tools to create or update models, drawings, DXFs, bills of materials, calculations, and specifications.
• Design or modify HVAC components and assemblies (sheet metal, insulation, brackets, coils, piping packages, fans, motors, controls, wiring hardware, and purchased components).
• Apply design-for-manufacturing and value-engineering principles to reduce material, labor, part count, fabrication steps, scrap, and rework while preserving performance and reliability.
• Prepare preliminary cost/savings calculations using material pricing, labor estimates, production volumes, tooling, and supplier quotes with guidance from cross-functional partners.
• Support prototype builds, supplier samples, teardowns, manufacturing trials, and lab testing to confirm fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Review test and production feedback, document results, and support corrective actions or design refinements as needed.
• Prepare and coordinate engineering change documentation (drawings, models, BOMs, specifications, product logic, submittals, design guides, and manufacturing instructions).
• Communicate project status, savings forecasts, technical issues, and decisions via trackers, one-page summaries, design reviews, and engineering updates.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the VAVE process by documenting lessons learned, maintaining records, updating templates, and proposing new ideas.

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Requirements (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Entry-level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• 0–2 years of engineering, internship, co-op, academic project, manufacturing, or product-design experience.
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, bills of materials, product specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• Academic or practical experience with 2D or 3D CAD software. SolidWorks or AutoCAD preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for calculations, data organization, and project tracking.
• Ability to apply fundamental engineering principles to analyze problems and propose solutions.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and accurate documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to work hands-on with products, prototypes, manufacturing personnel, suppliers, and lab equipment.
• Clear written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and seek guidance when needed.
• Curiosity, initiative, and eagerness to learn HVAC products, manufacturing processes, cost analysis, and VAVE methods.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, senior design, lab, or project experience in product design, manufacturing, HVAC equipment, thermal/fluid systems, sheet metal, piping, or electromechanical products.
• Experience creating or modifying 3D models, 2D drawings, assemblies, and BOMs.
• Exposure to cost-reduction, design-for-manufacturing, value engineering, lean manufacturing, or continuous-improvement projects.
• Familiarity with prototype development, product testing, engineering changes, or root-cause analysis.
• Experience working with data, cost calculations, supplier quotations, or technical project trackers.
• Interest in developing project-management and cross-functional leadership skills.

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Compensation & Work Type

• Estimated pay: $97,378 per year (estimated by source).
• Employment type: Full-time, Contractor (as posted by the source).
• Work location: Largo, FL (on-site / manufacturing & lab support expected).

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.