Cost Engineer

About the Role

• This is a permanent position.
• The role is located in Pune with a Hybrid working policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a Cost Engineer responsible for developing clean-sheet ("should-cost") models for automotive components and tooling.
• Create fact-based cost estimates from first principles using zero-based costing methodology to drive cost transparency, support competitive sourcing decisions, and enable value-driven negotiations with suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with Purchasing, Engineering, and Finance teams to achieve cost targets and deliver measurable cost savings across the organization.
• Independently develop detailed bottom-up cost models for components, assemblies, and tooling using first-principles methodologies including material costs, labor rates, process cycle times, overhead allocation, and profit margins.
• Evaluate component designs to identify required manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, stamping, and injection molding, then analyze associated cost drivers for each process.
• Analyze and estimate costs of supplier tooling proposals and capital investment requirements to validate supplier submissions.
• Compare supplier cost breakdowns against internal should-cost models to identify and quantify cost gaps and opportunities.
• Partner with Procurement teams to support supplier negotiations with robust, fact-based cost data and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Finance teams to validate cost assumptions, refine models, and drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Track and report cost estimate outcomes versus actual costs, maintain comprehensive cost databases, and continuously improve cost modeling methodologies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes including casting, machining, stamping, injection molding, and assembly operations.
• Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, 3D CAD models, and understanding Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong ability to calculate costs for raw materials, direct labor, machine cycle times, overhead rates, and tooling amortization.
• Experience with Siemens TcPCM cost modeling software is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Analytical & Financial Skills:
• Excellent analytical skills with a first-principles mindset to systematically break down complex cost structures into fundamental elements.
• Strong financial acumen to understand cost-to-serve models and supplier pricing strategies.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities to present cost findings to stakeholders.
• Collaboration and influence skills to work effectively across Purchasing, Engineering, and Finance functions.
• Detail orientation with ability to manage multiple cost modeling projects simultaneously.
• Self-driven work ethic with ability to work independently and meet deadlines.