Manager - Value Engineering & Should-cost analysis

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead a team of cost analysts and drive global initiatives in should-cost modeling and value engineering across direct material categories (plastics, metals, electronics, assemblies).
• Build organizational capability in cost modeling, parametric estimation, and design-to-value principles to influence product cost decisions and supplier negotiations.
• Drive VAVE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) workshops with cross-functional teams to identify product/process cost reduction and value improvement opportunities.
• Oversee development and governance of parametric cost models using tools such as aPriori; ensure models are aligned with current manufacturing trends and global cost factors.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to shape cost-conscious product designs and supplier strategies during NPI and sustaining phases.
• Institutionalize design-to-cost and design-for-manufacturing practices across development lifecycles.
• Provide leadership in supplier clean-sheet negotiations and cost benchmarking; lead cost audits and deep-dive workshops with global suppliers.

People and Process Leadership

• Coach and mentor a team of cost analysts; set clear goals, provide feedback, and build domain expertise.
• Define standard operating procedures for should-cost analysis, value engineering reviews, and clean-sheet costing.
• Act as the global point of contact for should-costing practices in specific categories or platforms.
• Represent the cost/value engineering function in cross-functional forums, governance councils, and executive reviews.

Skills and Competencies

• 10+ years of experience in cost engineering, value engineering, or sourcing analytics, preferably in a global manufacturing or MedTech environment.
• Proven team leadership with ability to influence across technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and modeling skills; hands-on experience with aPriori, SolidWorks/Creo, SAP, and PLM tools.
• Expertise in manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and supply chain dynamics across global regions.
• Experience in facilitating cost/value workshops, driving supplier cost discussions, and delivering executive-ready insights.
• Strategic thinking with a bias for execution and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain (Master’s preferred).
• Certified in Value Analysis / Value Engineering or Lean Product Development.
• Familiarity with DFX principles (DFM/DFA), cost accounting, and operations strategy.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.