Senior Cost Estimation Engineer

Daimler AG; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Daimler AG's MBRDI in Bengaluru seeks a Senior Cost Estimation Engineer to build detailed should-cost models for automotive components, benchmark costs, and support supplier negotiations. You will integrate manufacturing, materials, electronics, and tooling insights to identify impactful cost reductions across EV and conventional systems.

The role requires deep knowledge of automotive supply chains, cross-functional collaboration with procurement, engineering and finance, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Experience in should-cost modelling and cost engineering for automotive components.
• Proven ability to benchmark supplier costs and support negotiations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop bottom-up should-cost models for components and systems.
• Estimate material, manufacturing, labor, tooling and logistics costs.
• Validate quotations using cost engineering methodologies.
• Benchmark costs across global suppliers and support negotiations.
• Collaborate with procurement, engineering and finance teams.
• Develop automated costing tools and dashboards.

Skills

Should Costing

Activity-Based Costing

Design-to-Cost

Teardown Analysis

Value Analysis / Value Engineering

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's in Automotive Engineering

Bachelor's in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor's in Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Job description

Aufgaben

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.

Qualifikationen

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's/Master's Degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Experience

• 8-10 years of experience in:
  • Cost Engineering
  • Cost Estimation
  • Value Engineering
  • Strategic Procurement
  • Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience with automotive OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers is highly preferred.

Technical Skills

Cost Engineering

• Should Costing
• Activity-Based Costing
• Design-to-Cost
• Teardown Analysis
• Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE)

Manufacturing Knowledge

• Casting
• Forging
• Machining
• Stamping
• Injection Molding
• Electronics Manufacturing

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical mindset
• Commercial acumen
• Negotiation support capability
• Data-driven decision making
• Stakeholder management
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Ability to challenge supplier assumptions professionally
• High attention to detail

Preferred Industry Experience

• Passenger Cars
• Electric Vehicles (EV)
• ADAS Systems
• Infotainment Systems
• Power Electronics
• Battery Systems
• Chassis & Powertrain Components

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a purpose-driven organization that is shaping the future of mobility
• Work on cutting-edge technologies and global projects
• Thrive in a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment
• Access world-class infrastructure and continuous learning opportunities

Equal Opportunity Statement

At MBRDI, we are committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, background, or ability.