Senior Cost Estimation Engineer

Senior Cost Estimation Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Cost Estimation Engineer to develop accurate should-cost models, perform component cost benchmarking, support sourcing and negotiation activities, and identify cost reduction opportunities across automotive Tier-1 components. The role requires deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, electronics, tooling, and automotive supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

1. Should-Cost Modeling & Cost Analysis

• Develop detailed bottom-up cost models for automotive components and systems.
• Estimate material, manufacturing, labor, overhead, tooling, logistics, and supplier margins.
• Conduct should-cost analysis for\:
  • Electronics (PCBA, ECUs, Sensors)
  • Wire Harnesses
  • Busbars
  • Castings & Forgings
  • Plastic Injection Molded Parts
  • Stampings & Sheet Metal Components
  • E-Mobility Components
  • ADAS & Infotainment Systems
• Validate supplier quotations using cost engineering methodologies.

2. Manufacturing Process Expertise

Perform cost estimation based on understanding of\:

Mechanical Components

• Die Casting
• Sand Casting
• Forging
• CNC Machining
• Sheet Metal Stamping
• Deep Drawing
• Welding & Assembly
• Surface Treatments

Electronics

• PCB Fabrication
• SMT Assembly
• Wave/Reflow Soldering
• Semiconductor Packaging
• Sensor Manufacturing

Plastics & Rubber

• Injection Molding
• Overmolding
• Compression Molding
• Extrusion Processes

3. Supplier Cost Benchmarking

• Benchmark global and regional supplier costs.
• Compare supplier quotations against market intelligence.
• Support negotiations using fact-based cost breakdowns.
• Create target cost models and savings opportunities.
• Analyze manufacturing footprint and localization opportunities.

4. Market Intelligence & Commodity Tracking

• Monitor raw material trends\:
  • Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Engineering Plastics
  • Semiconductor Components
• Track labor rates, energy costs, freight, and regional manufacturing economics.
• Support annual cost reduction and budget planning activities.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with\:
  • Procurement
  • Engineering
  • Supplier Quality
  • Program Management
  • Finance Teams
• Support RFQ, sourcing decisions, and design-to-cost initiatives.
• Participate in technical reviews and supplier discussions.

6. Digital Cost Engineering

• Develop automated costing models and databases.
• Maintain historical cost repositories.
• Support AI/analytics-based costing and benchmarking initiatives.
• Prepare executive dashboards and management reports.