Manager, Design Center of Excellence (CoE)

Manager, Design Center of Excellence (CoE) - 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 Center of Excellence -to lead the integration of Design for excellence bringing best practices and standards to be applied to the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in optimizing designs and bring governance for 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 processes and standards (DPS)

• Champion best practices and methods to achieve the CTQ of the high performing Design organization
• Develop and provide the governance in a development cycle to meet high quality output
• Develop the training strategy and a stake holder in the development of the Design organization

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 time

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 or Equivalent experience
• 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
• 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 / yr - $150,300 / yr plus a 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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