Cost Engineer (Design-to-Cost / VAVE)

AVATR Global Design Center is looking for a Lead/Senior CMF Designer to join our growing team in Munich. This role will participate in key design projects and be involved throughout the entire development process—from initial research and concept creation to production and show car execution. You will contribute strategically to project development while delivering hands-on, high-quality creative output in close collaboration with cross-functional teams.   What you will do:  * Generate and lead design concepts for assigned projects from concept to execution * Create new product applications and strategic concepts for the IVO brand, both globally and within the Chinese market * Develop design ideas into virtual and physical explorations, including ideation models and overall thematic concepts * Collaborate closely with internal design teams and cross-functional departments, including Exterior, Interior, Fabrication, Modeling, Engineering, Cost Management, and Marketing * Coordinate and collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to ensure design intent and quality * Provide effective and creative solutions to existing design challenges and project requirements * Participate in design reviews and presentations, contributing a high level of creative and strategic input * Develop forward-looking concepts, product ideas, and design strategies aligned with brand vision * Conduct market and competitor analysis to inform design decisions and innovation * Stay current on design trends, technology, and market influences, and help translate them into compelling CMF directions.   What you will bring:  * 5+ years of experience working on production vehicle projects is preferred * Strong analytical and conceptual thinking, combining logical reasoning with creative and strategic approaches * Excellent communication skills, including interpersonal, presentation, and written communication * Demonstrated ability in creative and strategic conceptual development * High level of digital proficiency, with strong skills in relevant design and visualization software * Proven ability to integrate people, processes, and systems effectively across projects * Strong influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to align stakeholders and drive decisions * Excellent problem-solving capabilities, with a solution-oriented mindset * Effective resource management skills, including time, priorities, and cross-functional coordination    What we offer: * Competitive Salary: Reflecting your skills and experience. * Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work both remotely and in the office. * Annual Leave: 30 days of paid annual leave. * Health & Wellness: Access to the Wellhub Pass for your well-being.  * Employee Development: Learning opportunities and training programs to support your career growth.  * Transport Support: Deutschland ticket or fuel card.  * Meal Allowance: For lunch at the canteen.  * Gifts: Celebratory gifts for work anniversaries and Chinese New Year.  * Company Events: Regular team-building and social activities. * Inclusive Culture: A diverse, supportive environment where every voice is valued.    Thank you for considering joining our team! We look forward to hearing from you and hope you become a part of our company. If you are interested in the position, please apply now. We are excited about the possibility of working together to create a bright future!

Company Profile With over 80 years of innovation, JCB is the world’s largest privately owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. Operating 23 manufacturing facilities across four continents—including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil—JCB produces a diverse portfolio of more than 300 products. These include telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.   At the heart of JCB’s success are its people. As a family-owned business, we are accountable to our customers—not shareholders—which gives us the flexibility to focus on long-term innovation and delivering real value. This independence allows us to continuously develop advanced technologies and integrate them into equipment designed to perform in the toughest environments while maximizing customer productivity.   At JCB, we stand behind our products—and our name—with pride and commitment to quality.   Position Purpose The NPIP Engineering Manager for JCB Access will lead the engineering function responsible for New Product Introduction Programs (NPIP) within the Access portfolio. This role will drive the successful delivery of next‑generation Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), leading design, validation, program execution, and cross‑functional alignment through all phases of the NPIP lifecycle.   The role will be based at the JCB World Headquarters in the United Kingdom for six to nine months, working closely with global engineering, quality, and program leadership teams. In Q1 2027, the position will relocate permanently to San Antonio, Texas, supporting the establishment and ramp‑up of Access engineering activities in North America. A strong background in Aerial Work Platform (AWP) design is essential.   Position Type Full Time, Exempt   Location San Antonio, Texas: 13210 Palo Alto Road, San Antonio, TX 78224   Benefits and Other Compensation JCB offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401 (k) retirement plan; paid time off and paid holidays.   Application Process Applications will be accepted through Careers | JCB Careers | JCB Jobs | JCB [https://www.jcb.com/en-US/explore/engage/careers/] or via LinkedIn. The anticipated application window will close on July 15, 2026.   Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities NPIP Program Leadership * Lead NPIP engineering activities for the JCB Access product line, ensuring high‑quality delivery across concept, design, validation, and industrialisation phases. * Define engineering strategies, deliverables, and technical milestones required for successful Gate progression. * Ensure new products meet performance, safety, regulatory, cost, reliability, and manufacturability targets. Cross‑Functional Alignment * Partner with UK and India engineering teams to maintain design continuity and architecture alignment across product platforms. * Work closely with Operations, Quality, Service, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure project execution readiness. * Coordinate with Product Management to confirm customer requirements, market needs, and competitive positioning.  Technical Leadership * Provide expert guidance across AWP systems, including structures, hydraulics, electrics, controls, and safety systems. * Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards (ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO). * Oversee design reviews, DFMEAs, validation plans, and field‑trial strategies. San Antonio Transition (2027) * Support engineering readiness for Access NPIP activities transferring to the new San Antonio facility. * Lead integration of U.S.-based engineering capability to support prototyping, testing, localization, and production launch. * Establish local engineering processes, tools, and documentation standards.  Leadership & Team Development * Build and mentor a high‑performing NPIP engineering team in San Antonio. * Drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and technical excellence. * Ensure strong communication between UK, India, and U.S. Access engineering groups. * Other duties as assigned   Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline. * Extensive Aerial Work Platform (AWP) design experience mandatory. * 10+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role. * Demonstrated success leading new product development or NPIP programs. * Strong cross‑functional communication and stakeholder‑management skills. * Knowledge of DFM, DFA, VA/VE, and cost‑optimisation practices. * Familiarity with global AWP regulatory standards and certification processes. * Ability to travel internationally (UK ↔ India ↔ USA). * Must pass any drug screens, background checks, and any pre-employment tests, which will be conducted * in accordance with applicable law.   Preferred Qualifications * Experience with NX and Teamcenter. * Professional Engineer (PE) designation strongly preferred. * Experience transferring products to new manufacturing sites.   Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies * Technical leadership and decision‑making * Strong project and program management capability * Cross‑functional collaboration in global environments * Creative problem solving and analytical thinking * Coaching, mentoring, and team development * Continuous improvement mindset   Job Conditions * Manufacturing/factory environment. * Subject to noise and temperature changes.   Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: * Must be able to work flexible schedule, including Friday - Sunday 6am -6pm  * Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs, frequently and/or move up to 35lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs. * Must be able to perform continuous, repetitious physical activities.  These activities may involve fine movements or large motions. * Must be able to grasp/pinch small items, reach out and up, and turn wrist. * Must be capable of keeping pace with current production speed. * Must be able to push/pull with reasonable force. * Must be able to perform the following requirements of bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time. * Must be able to work in multiple climates including hot/cold temperatures, and dusty environment.   Equal Opportunity Employer JCB is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities.  All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability statute, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local laws. EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.   Reasonable Accommodation Statement JCB complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the JCB Human Resources team at hrsupport@jcb.com [hrsupport@jcb.com].   JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S., which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers [https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers].   Disclaimer: This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.