Nazi “savings engineers” were materials control specialists appointed to oversee the war industry and to ensure the efficient production of munitions.
The job no longer exists, at least in the American defense industry. All enforced savings and cost control has been delegated to a vast new bureaucracy called the “Inspector General.” Pimples on an elephant’s behind.
Individuals in the industry who get REALLY upset at costs and waste and convoluted government subterfuge can appeal for “whistleblower” status. They get to vent their frustrations, sure, but at the expense of never getting promoted or recognized for achievement ever again, no matter what industry they run to after the defense industry runs them off. It’s like having a bankruptcy or foreclosure on your credit history.
There are “savings engineers” in the construction industry who do energy audits of buildings or manufacturing processes to help companies lower their utility bills. Engineers in industry think of them worse than regular folks think of IRS audits.
How dare this “springenieur” tell me my design isn’t efficient enough? Who the hell does he think he is?
Energy auditors are genuinely reviled by everyone. Who wants to apply “new” technology if the old is working just fine? Who’s going to tell their boss some outsider just one-upped his facility management team to reduce energy costs by 20%?
“Conspicuous consumption” is as much a fad in engineering circles as on Main Street. Bigger is better, and to hell with the bottom line.