Cost Engineer - Electromechanical Product Should-Cost Analysis

Role Overview

This position demands expertise in detailed product teardown and should-cost evaluation specifically for electromechanical devices. The incumbent will be pivotal in developing comprehensive cost models for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) that cover all fabrication, component, and assembly aspects across different production stages. Cost drivers will be examined to optimize design and production efficiency while ensuring strategic value engineering initiatives advance.

Primary Duties

• Conduct thorough product dissections and develop should-cost analyses for electromechanical products.
• Create precise PCBA cost models encompassing PCB fabrication specifics like layer stacking, materials, finishes, and panelization.
• Estimate component costs including passives, active elements, integrated circuits, connectors, and custom parts.
• Evaluate and model assembly procedures such as surface mount technology (SMT), through-hole technology (THT), mixed techniques, testing, and rework.
• Apply cost estimation throughout concept creation, design, prototype development, pilot runs, and full-scale mass production.
• Identify and analyze cost drivers such as component selection, manufacturing yields, production takt times, panel utilization efficiencies, and logistics implications.
• Track changes in costs caused by product revisions, engineering change notices, and lifecycle modifications.
• Lead and advise on design-to-cost and value engineering projects to maximize cost-effectiveness.
• Review electronic schematics, bill of materials (BOMs), Gerber files, and assembly blueprints from a cost optimization viewpoint.
• Stay informed on market dynamics, evolving technologies, and cost trends relevant to electronics manufacturing.
• Maintain detailed repositories of costing techniques, foundational assumptions, and historical cost reduction case studies.
• Prepare and communicate cost analysis outcomes, value engineering proposals, and detailed cost breakdowns to internal stakeholders.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics, Electrical, Instrumentation Engineering, or related fields.
• 8 to 15+ years of professional experience in should costing and value engineering focused on electronics hardware.
• Previous work exposure in sectors including automotive, avionics, industrial electronics, consumer products, networking, or Internet of Things (IoT).
• Deep comprehension of hardware product design including schematics, BOMs, and component selection processes.
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality standards impacting PCBA cost such as IPC, ISO, and automotive standards.
• Proven success in generating significant cost savings via engineering modifications and sourcing strategies.
• Strong analytical capabilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions.
• Experience with costing calculation tools and manual (hand) calculations.