Should cost engineer Associate

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.
The key responsibilities of this position are:
Develop and execute sourcing strategies PCBAs and electro-mechanical builds.
Identify and onboard capable suppliers aligned with business requirements
Conduct market intelligence, benchmarking, and cost analysis
Lead RFQs/RFPs, commercial negotiations, and contract finalization
Analyze BOMs, Gerbers, process steps, yields, labor, overheads, and cost drivers.
Support RFQ processes: normalize supplier quotes, compare vs. should‑cost, and prepare negotiation insights.
Conduct cost breakdown reviews with EMS partners and panel builders
Must possess knowledge of various manufacturing processes for electronics manufacturing .
Provide DFM/DFA/DFT recommendations to Engineering for cost optimization.
Drive and support VA/VE initiatives with quantified savings.
Maintain cost databases for electronics and panel-build commodities.
Partner with cross-functional teams to enable cost decisions during NPI and sustaining phases.
Analyzing elements of Product Cost Structure including Material cost, process costs, direct labor, bill of materials, overhead, SG&A, Profit
Understanding of commodity global Market trends & historical datasets for electronics category
Costing Systems & global database maintenance: Time to time updating of process parameters such as Raw material prices, Machine hour rates, Labor rates, Cost Trends, Freight & Taxes
Uses best industry techniques and practices to establish fact based pricing positions, best value determinations and economic sourcing strategies.
Supporting global category and commodity managers in deriving negotiation strategies & actual price negotiations
Support VAVE, teardown and benchmarking projects using directional and other costing methodologies.
Areas of expertise include understanding of design & various manufacturing process, tools and their process parameters, cost drivers, Process capabilities & fact based negotiation techniques.
Pro-E/Creo knowledge a plus
Important Stakeholders/Key Interactions
• Global Commodity Managers
• New Product development/ R&D Leaders
• Global Suppliers .
Part 2. Describe the Person
Minimum professional and educational background desired (include years of experience).
4-Year bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics, Mechatronics (or equivalent).
3 to 6 years’ experience in strategic sourcing or should costing Manufacturing Process Plan and Execution methodologies in electronics category
OR
4-Year bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics, Mechatronics (or equivalent).
2-Year Master Degree in Electrical/Electronics, Mechatronics (or equivalent).
1 to 4 years’ experience in strategic sourcing or should costing Manufacturing Process Plan and Execution methodologies in electronics category
Key technical skills and knowledge.
PCB fabrication & assembly (SMT/DIP, reflow, wave solder, X-ray, ICT/FCT, conformal coating)
Wire harness & panel build (crimping, labeling, cable prep, loom boards, routing, panel wiring, functional test).
Strong Excel & cost modeling skills; familiarity with BOM analytics and should-cost breakdowns.
Experience working with electronics supplier & manufacturers.
Expertise in various should costing methodologies like Zero base costing, Supplier base costing etc and systems
(aPriori or equivalent)
• Ability to identify material used, manufacturing process, etc.
• Costing analysis or design-to-cost experience a plus
Global insights of commercial database for major manufacturing processes
• Problem-solving and data analytical skills.
• Cost Gap Analysis (Supplier quote vs should cost) and capable of handling supplier negotiations..
• Project / Program Management skills
• Value Engineering Certification (SAVE) a plus
• Interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively manage tasks/priorities.
• Effective communication in English is must.
• Microsoft office package – Excel ,Power BI and PowerPoint. – Experienced user.
Include the competencies identified for the position that differentiate superior performance.
Well organized, goal oriented & self-motivated
Excellent Leadership skills
Job fit highlight:
Physical Demands
• Office environment
• Teardown the product and moving small part/equipment
Work Environment
• Standard weekly job hours: 40 hours
• Opportunity to work with international people.
• Capable of working with cross functional teams
• Adaptability to work with different work culture, time zones
• Opportunity to be a part of a new team and building up the function
Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.