Costing Engineer

Job Title: Costing Engineer

The Costing Engineer plays a key role in optimizing the cost of electronic components and systems, particularly within the automotive electronics domain. This position focuses on development cost estimation, target costing, and supplier cost negotiations for ECUs, embedded software, and related electronic systems. The role requires strong technical understanding, close collaboration with purchasing and engineering teams, and the ability to lead technical discussions that drive competitive pricing and high-quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical argumentation in supplier negotiations to achieve the best possible price point for electronic components and systems.
• Collaborate closely with purchasing and engineering stakeholders to align cost, quality, and technical requirements.
• Develop accurate cost estimations for electronic control units (ECUs), embedded software, and automotive electronics projects.
• Establish and manage target costing for new and existing electronic products and projects.
• Participate in supplier cost negotiations, using technical and commercial insights to secure favorable terms.
• Apply knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, ECUs, and automotive software projects to support cost analysis and decision-making.
• Support cross-functional coordination between engineering, purchasing, and supplier management teams.
• Utilize Agile/Scrum methodology to contribute effectively within iterative development and project cycles.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and suppliers to explain cost drivers, trade-offs, and technical considerations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of costing processes, tools, and methodologies within the electronics and automotive domain.

• Experience in electronics cost engineering, ECU development, hardware or software development, or automotive electronics.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, ECUs, embedded software, and automotive software projects.
• Proven experience in supplier cost negotiations with the ability to lead technical discussions.
• Practical experience in development cost estimation and target costing for electronic or automotive systems.
• Exposure to Agile/Scrum methodology and ability to work within iterative development environments.
• Experience in supplier management and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong communication and people skills to collaborate effectively with purchasing, engineering, and suppliers.
• Skills in costing and supply chain management, including understanding of cost drivers and value analysis.
• Ability to partner closely with purchasing and engineering stakeholders to achieve cost and quality objectives.

Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience in automotive electronics projects, including ECUs and embedded software development.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and translate it into cost implications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in cost breakdowns and estimates.
• Comfort working in a matrixed, cross-functional environment with multiple stakeholders and priorities.

The Costing Engineer works in a collaborative, cross-functional environment that brings together engineering, purchasing, and supplier management teams. The role involves frequent interaction with suppliers and internal stakeholders to review technical specifications, cost structures, and negotiation strategies. Work typically follows Agile/Scrum practices, with iterative planning, reviews, and close coordination across disciplines. The position is office-based or hybrid depending on company policies, with a professional setting that supports focused analysis, regular meetings, and structured project workflows.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, Diversity And Inclusion Are a Bridge Towards The Equity And Success Of Our People. DE&I Is Embedded Into Our Culture Through

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, weve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.