Value Engineering & Cost Optimization (VA/VE)

About the internship: Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech (2027 Graduating Batch) Preferred Branches: Mechanical, Production, Mechatronics, Automobile, Industrial, Manufacturing or similar About Gray Gray is building the next generation of intelligent commercial electric vehicles for emerging markets. Our mission is to make commercial mobility safer, more reliable, more energy-efficient, and more profitable through first-principles engineering, software, and AI. 1. Every gram matters. 2. Every rupee matters. 3. Every design decision matters. If you enjoy taking apart products, understanding how they are built, and figuring out how to make them lighter, simpler, better and less expensive without compromising quality, this role is for you. Role Overview As a Value Engineering & Cost Optimization Intern, you will work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, sourcing and supplier development. Your primary objective is to continuously reduce product cost while improving value, manufacturability, quality, and reliability. You will collaborate closely with suppliers and Gray's engineering teams to challenge every design decision through first-principles thinking and data-driven cost analysis. Key Responsibilities -Zero-Based Costing & Should Costing -Build should-cost models for mechanical, electrical and plastic components. -Perform zero-based cost analysis by breaking products into material, process, tooling, labour and overhead costs. -Benchmark supplier quotations against calculated costs. -Identify cost reduction opportunities through process optimization and design changes. -Develop cost models using manufacturing process knowledge. Supplier Value Engineering -Work directly with suppliers to identify lower-cost manufacturing methods. -Challenge supplier quotations using technical and commercial analysis. -Evaluate alternative manufacturing processes. -Benchmark multiple suppliers for the same component. -Support supplier negotiations using engineering data. -Product Cost Reduction Identify opportunities for: -Material substitution -Manufacturing simplification -Part consolidation -Standardization -Design simplification -Fastener reduction -Process optimization -Packaging optimization -Logistics cost reduction -Value Engineering (VA/VE) Collaborate with R&D teams to identify: -Lower-cost technologies -Alternative materials -Lightweight designs -Improved manufacturability -Higher part commonization -Reduced assembly time -Improved serviceability -Improved reliability while maintaining or improving customer value. Design-to-Cost 1. Support engineering teams during product development by ensuring cost targets are met before design freeze. 2. Participate in design reviews to challenge every component from a cost, manufacturing and value perspective. Benchmarking 1. Study competitor vehicles and components to understand: 2. Manufacturing methods 3. Material selection 4. Weight optimization 5. Cost optimization techniques 6. Assembly philosophy 7. Supplier choices 8. Generate benchmarking reports and recommend improvements. Cross-Functional Collaboration. Work closely with: -Mechanical Engineering -Battery Engineering -Vehicle Integration -Manufacturing Engineering -Purchasing -Supplier Quality -Program Management to implement cost reduction initiatives. Who can apply: Only those candidates can apply who: are available for full time (in-office) internship can start the internship between 12th Jul'26 and 2nd Sep'26 are available for duration of 6 months have relevant skills and interests are Mechanical Engineering students Stipend: INR₹ 10,000 - 15,000 /month Deadline: 2026-09-02 23:59:59 Other perks: Certificate, Letter of recommendation, Informal dress code Skills required: Product Development and Cost Control Other Requirements: What You'll Learn Automotive should costing, Design-to-Cost methodologies, Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE), Lean manufacturing, DFMA (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly), Supplier development, Cost modeling, Product teardown analysis, Material selection, Lightweight engineering, Automotive sourcing strategy, Product benchmarking Desired Skills -Strong mechanical fundamentals -Manufacturing process knowledge -Curiosity about how products are made -Strong analytical thinking -Good Excel skills -CAD knowledge (preferred) -Ability to read engineering drawings -Basic understanding of materials and manufacturing processes -Good communication and presentation skills Success Metrics -Build accurate should-cost models for key components. -Identify measurable BOM cost reduction opportunities. -Recommend weight reduction initiatives without compromising performance. -Drive implementation of value engineering proposals with R&D. -Improve manufacturability and reduce part complexity. -Support supplier cost negotiations using engineering-based analysis. -Maintain or improve product quality, safety, and reliability while reducing cost. -Deliver documented savings through implemented VA/VE projects. About Company: Gray Mobility is building innovative, sustainable and technology-first electric mobility solutions, including electric vans and trucks, for the Indian and export markets. We are in an exciting stage of growth, developing products, establishing strategic partnerships, and scaling operations across regions.