The posting
Cost Engineer – Electrical Motors
Location: Turin, Italy Work Model: Hybrid – 3 days per week on-site at the plant and 2 days remote Seniority: 1–6 years of experience Area: Cost Engineering – Electrical Motors
ROLE PURPOSE
We are looking for a Cost Engineer – Electrical Motors to manage the cost analysis, definition and optimization of automotive electric motors and their associated components throughout the different phases of vehicle development programs, from concept to SOP (Start of Production).
The role has a strong technical and analytical focus, with responsibility for developing should-cost models, analysing supplier quotations, identifying cost reduction opportunities and supporting Purchasing in technical-commercial negotiations with suppliers.
The position requires a solid understanding of electric motor technologies, materials, manufacturing processes and cost drivers, particularly for traction motors used in electrified powertrain applications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop should-cost models and detailed cost breakdowns for automotive electric motors, including stators, rotors, windings, laminations, permanent magnets, shafts, bearings, housings, insulation systems and cooling components.
- Analyse the cost structure of different electric motor technologies, including Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), Induction Motors and other relevant traction motor architectures.
- Define and justify cost targets for electrical motor components at different program stages, in alignment with Product Engineering, Program Management and Finance.
- Perform technical and commercial analyses of supplier quotations (RFQs), including open-book cost breakdowns, identifying gaps against established cost targets.
- Analyse material costs, manufacturing cycle times, production volumes, scrap rates, tooling investments and process efficiency.
- Prepare technical and economic arguments to support supplier negotiations in collaboration with Purchasing.
- Participate in supplier negotiations and technical-commercial meetings as the cost expert for the commodity.
- Drive Design-to-Cost, VA/VE and cost reduction initiatives with internal teams and suppliers, quantifying and monitoring the savings achieved.
- Conduct teardown analyses and competitor benchmarking of electrical motors to identify cost optimization opportunities.
- Assess the cost impact of engineering changes, new motor technologies, material substitutions and different localization and sourcing scenarios.
- Evaluate the impact of critical raw materials, particularly copper, electrical steel, permanent magnets and rare earth materials, on overall product costs.
- Develop and improve cost models, databases and costing methodologies for the electrical motor commodity.
- Support and mentor junior team members, promoting technical knowledge sharing.
- Report cost status, risks and opportunities to management and program steering committees.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Electromechanical, Mechanical, Industrial or Automotive Engineering.
- 1–5 years of experience in Cost Engineering, Product Costing or Technical Purchasing within the automotive industry.
- At least 1 year of experience with electric motors, electrified powertrain components or electromechanical systems, preferably at an OEM or Tier-1 supplier.
- Knowledge of electric motor architectures and technologies, particularly PMSM and induction motors.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes related to electrical motors, including: Electrical steel stamping and lamination manufacturing. Stator and rotor manufacturing and assembly. Copper wire winding and hairpin winding technologies. Permanent magnet manufacturing and assembly. Shaft machining, turning and grinding. Die casting and aluminium housing manufacturing. Impregnation, insulation and varnishing processes. Motor assembly, balancing and end-of-line testing.
- Understanding of key cost drivers, including raw materials, manufacturing processes, production cycle times, tooling, scrap rates and overhead costs.
- Proven experience in developing should-cost models and analysing supplier open-book cost breakdowns.
- Hands-on experience with costing tools such as aPriori, Siemens Teamcenter PCM/TcPCM, Facton or equivalent solutions.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with SAP.
- Proven track record of measurable cost savings achieved through negotiations and VA/VE initiatives.
- Fluent in English and Italian.
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience at a Tier-1 automotive electric motor or powertrain supplier, either in engineering or costing.
- Knowledge of electrification technologies, including BEV and HEV powertrain architectures.
- Experience with hairpin winding technology and advanced stator manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of electromagnetic design fundamentals and their impact on motor cost and performance.
- Familiarity with rare earth materials, permanent magnet sourcing and associated market dynamics.
- Knowledge of Power BI or other data visualization tools.
- Experience with global programs and multi-region sourcing strategies across Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Knowledge of French, Spanish or Portuguese.
SOFT SKILLS
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Analytical and structured thinking, with a solid business mindset.
- Ability to communicate complex technical and cost topics clearly and effectively to management.
- Autonomy, accountability and the ability to mentor junior professionals.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding program deadlines.
- Strong teamwork and cross-functional collaboration skills.
BENEFITS
Important:
- Our company does not sponsor work visas or residence permits for employment purposes. All candidates must have the legal right to work in the country where the position is based.
- Only candidates who meet the requirements and match our clients' desired profile will be contacted.
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