Electrical Project Cost Engineer

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Project Cost Engineer to join our automotive engineering team in Mexico City. In this role, you will be responsible for cost estimation, component analysis, and cost optimization for vehicle electrical and electronic architecture. You will work closely with cross-functional engineering, purchasing, and finance teams to ensure technical specifications align with project budget targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed cost breakdown analysis for vehicle electrical systems and electronic components, focusing on sensors, fuses, motors, and 12V Lead-Acid Batteries.
• Evaluate cost drivers related to manufacturing processes, including Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Plastic Injection Molding, material selection, tooling, and assembly operations.
• Lead Design-for-Cost (DfC) and Value Engineering / Value Analysis (VA/VE) workshops to identify cost-saving opportunities across the electrical development cycle.
• Develop bottom-up cost models and benchmark supplier proposals against target costs to support procurement and commercial negotiations.
• Collaborate directly with engineering leads to assess trade-offs between technical performance, design complexity, and overall unit cost.
• Conduct physical teardowns and technical cost audits of competitor systems to establish market benchmarks for electrical architectures.
• Audit and validate supplier tooling costs, scrap rates, machine cycle times, and labor rates for regional manufacturing operations.
• Track and report engineering change request (ECR) cost impacts throughout the project lifecycle to maintain program financial targets.
• Prepare clear technical-cost reports and present cost modeling results to project management, Control Tower, and executive stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, or Business Administration (MBA).
• Automotive Industry Experience: Prior experience working directly with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers in cost engineering, value engineering (VA/VE), or electrical systems release.
• Specialized Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with cost database tools (e.g., Teamcenter Product Cost Management / Siemens PCM, Cleva, or similar bottom-up costing software).
• Supplier Negotiation & Procurement: Experience supporting commercial procurement teams during supplier technical cost drivers defense and target cost setting.
• Language Skills: Professional working proficiency in both English and Spanish (written and verbal) to support global cross-functional teams.

Qualifications & Technical Experience

• Seniority Level: Senior-level experience in automotive cost engineering or electrical systems engineering.
• Core Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of electrical component manufacturing processes and cost drivers, specifically focusing on:
• Components: Sensors, fuses, motors, and 12V Lead-Acid Batteries.
• Manufacturing Processes: Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), Plastic Injection Molding, and Sub-assembly operations.
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid office model in Mexico City (DT/MX time zone context).
• Plant visits are not required for this role.

Key Competencies

• Cost Engineering & Estimation: Advanced proficiency in component cost driver analysis, teardowns, and bottom-up cost modeling.
• Electrical Architecture Expertise: Strong grasp of automotive 12V power distribution systems, sensors, and electronic packaging.
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Familiarity with PCB manufacturing, plastic injection tooling, and sub-system assembly processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to interface effectively between engineering, purchasing, and project management control teams.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Strong quantitative mindset with high attention to detail in financial and technical data analysis.
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written presentation skills to effectively justify cost models to leadership and supplier teams.