Costing Engineer - Jigs & Fixtures

Role Overview

The Costing Engineer specializing in Jigs & Fixtures manages the full financial estimation process for specialized tooling involved in electronic assembly lines. This responsibility includes scrutinizing technical drawings, computing manufacturing expenses for tailor-made parts, and budgeting for sophisticated automation elements to deliver precise cost models that align with quality and budgetary targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimate costs for components and materials, including metallic (aluminum, stainless steel) and non-metallic materials such as ESD plastics and Delrin, considering material weight, machining cycles (CNC/VMC), and finishing steps.
• Maintain price benchmarks and source costs for bought-out items comprising mechanical parts (bearings, linear rails, precision slide ways), pneumatic equipment (cylinders, DCV valves, manifold systems), automation parts (PLCs, various sensors, magnets, HMI units), and electrical components (push buttons, switches, wiring harnesses, connectors).
• Forecast man-hours required for mechanical assembly, pneumatic plumbing, electrical wiring, and factor in costs associated with fixture testing, calibration, and validation runs (e.g., $Cpk/Ppk$).
• Execute Make vs. Buy studies for custom fixture components and apply value engineering techniques to identify cost-effective alternatives for non-critical parts without compromising accuracy or safety.
• Manage and update a dynamic database of vendor quotations and historical cost data to support accurate and timely cost estimation.

Technical Expertise Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Production Engineering (B.E./B.Tech).
• 3 to 5 years of experience in cost estimation, particularly in high-precision tooling or electronics assembly environments.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Excel, including macros and pivot tables, alongside experience with ERP software such as SAP or Oracle.
• Familiarity with CAD tools like SolidWorks or AutoCAD for part measurement and visualization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including milling, turning, grinding, and various surface treatment methods.

Performance Metrics

• Accuracy of cost estimates compared to actual procurement costs.
• Responsiveness in producing quotes for new assembly projects promptly.
• Achievement of 5-10% annual cost savings through value engineering initiatives.

Behavioral Competencies

• Meticulous attention to detail with a zero-error approach.
• Effective negotiation skills with external suppliers and vendors.
• Collaborative ability to work across Design, Procurement, and Finance departments efficiently.