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

• 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, wire harnesses, busbars, castings and forgings, plastic injection molded parts, stampings and sheet metal components, e-mobility components, ADAS, and infotainment systems; validate supplier quotations.
• Manufacturing Process Expertise: Perform cost estimation based on knowledge of die casting, sand casting, forging, CNC machining, sheet metal stamping, deep drawing, welding and assembly, surface treatments, PCB fabrication, SMT assembly, wave and reflow soldering, semiconductor packaging, sensor manufacturing, injection molding, overmolding, compression molding, and extrusion.
• Supplier Cost Benchmarking: Benchmark global and regional supplier costs, compare quotations against market intelligence, support negotiations with fact-based cost breakdowns, create target cost models, identify savings opportunities, and analyze manufacturing footprint and localization opportunities.
• Market Intelligence & Commodity Tracking: Monitor steel, aluminum, copper, engineering plastics, semiconductor components, labor rates, energy costs, freight, and regional manufacturing economics.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with procurement, engineering, supplier quality, program management, and finance teams to support RFQs, sourcing decisions, design-to-cost initiatives, technical reviews, and supplier discussions.
• Digital Cost Engineering: Develop automated costing models and databases, maintain historical cost repositories, support AI and analytics-based costing and benchmarking initiatives, and prepare executive dashboards and management reports.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering.

Experience: 8–10 years of experience in cost engineering, cost estimation, value engineering, strategic procurement, or 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 and value engineering, and manufacturing knowledge covering casting, forging, machining, stamping, injection molding, and 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, and high attention to detail.

Preferred Industry Experience: Passenger cars, electric vehicles, ADAS systems, infotainment systems, power electronics, battery systems, and chassis and powertrain components.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a purpose-driven organization 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.

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Possible health benefits
• Mobile phone for employees
• Meal discounts
• Company retirement plan
• Hybrid work possible
• Mobility offers
• Employee events
• Coaching
• Flextime possible
• Near-site childcare
• Parking
• Canteen and café
• Good public transport
• Barrier-free workplace
• In-house doctor

Contact

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited
Plot No. 5-P, EPIP 1st Phase
560066 Bangalore
MBRDI Recruitment: mbrdi_recruitment@mercedes-benz.com