RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead cost estimation activities including should‑cost, cost modelling, and top‑down/bottom‑up analyses for engineered products.
• Conduct detailed cost analyses and validate supplier cost breakdowns and manufacturing processes.
• Support sourcing activities for Design‑to‑Cost projects to ensure cost‑effective outcomes.
• Identify and support Value Added/Value Engineering (VA/VE) opportunities to optimize total product cost.
• Analyze tools and part costs for mechanical and electronic components and maintain cost databases.
• Provide analytical input for supplier negotiations through fact‑based insights and benchmarks.
• Conduct cost audits to validate accuracy, transparency, and compliance with expected cost structures.
• Identify cost‑reduction opportunities and efficiency improvements at suppliers.
• Develop cost models to support product design early in development (Design‑to‑Cost, DfM, DfSC).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Procurement, Sales) to gather data and assess risks.
• Provide regular reporting on cost saving initiatives and support central decision‑making (target costing, benchmarking, make‑or‑buy analysis, budgeting).

KEY EXPERIENCES

• Technical background in mechanics, mechanical engineering, production engineering, or similar.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering HF/FH or equivalent.
• Over 5 years of experience in cost engineering, development, value engineering, or strategic procurement.
• Demonstrated experience with cost modelling and supplier cost analysis.
• Experience working in complex global organizational environments.
• Background in machinery, vacuum technology, or semiconductor‑related production is beneficial.
• Experience coordinating cross‑functional or category‑focused teams.
• Solid project management experience.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel; PowerBI is an advantage.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence outcomes through expertise (without direct authority).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong risk‑based analytical approach.
• Effective collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Fluent in English; good German is preferred (or alternative profile: strong German + B1 English).