Job Description: Senior Engineer – Digital Control Automation (Strategic Sourcing - Electrical)

Position Overview

The Senior Engineer – Digital Control Automation (Strategic Sourcing - Electrical) is responsible for developing and executing end-to-end category and sourcing strategies for advanced electrical and digital automation components. This role involves managing commercial negotiations, driving localization (local sourcing) initiatives, evaluating technical supplier capabilities, and implementing cost-reduction programs like Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE). The ideal candidate will blend deep technical knowledge of electrical control systems with sharp commercial acumen to build a resilient, high-performing supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

1. Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing

- Develop, execute, and own the global/regional sourcing strategies for electrical automation components (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, smart sensors, industrial communication modules, and IoT gateways).
- Conduct robust market intelligence and spend analysis to forecast price trends, commodity risks, and shifts in supplier market power.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard a robust panel of preferred, highly capable electronics and electrical components manufacturing suppliers.

2. Techno-Commercial Negotiation & Cost Management

- Lead complex RFx (Request for Proposal/Quotation) processes and drive commercial negotiations to secure optimal pricing, credit terms, and Long-Term Agreements (LTAs).
- Utilize data-driven methodologies such as Should-Cost modeling and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis to break down supplier quote structures.
- Deliver on annual cost-saving and cost-containment targets through margin optimization, supplier consolidation,



and structured negotiations.

3. Localization & New Product Development (NPD) Support

- Partner closely with R&D;, Hardware Engineering, and Product Management to influence component selection early in the design phase for maximum cost efficiency and supply security (Design for Manufacturability/Sourcing).
- Drive localization and import-substitution projects to reduce geopolitical supply chain risks, lead times, and foreign exchange exposure.
- Lead Value Analysis & Value Engineering (VA/VE) workshops with engineering and suppliers to identify alternative components or design simplification opportunities.

4. Supplier Performance & Risk Mitigation

- Assess technical, operational, and financial risks across the supply base; establish alternative sourcing strategies to eliminate single-point-of-failure components.
- Collaborate with Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) to conduct supplier audits, capacity mapping, and performance scorecards (evaluating Quality, Delivery, and Lead-Times).
- Monitor component lifecycles to proactively manage End-of-Life (EOL) or obsolete electronic parts by securing final buys or alternate qualifications.

Job Specifications & Qualifications

Education & Experience

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Instrumentation & Control, or equivalent technical field.
- Experience:



5 to 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supplier development—specifically focused on electrical automation or electromechanical categories.

Technical Competencies

- Automation Hardware: Deep understanding of industrial automation architectures, component functionalities, and specifications (e.g., microcontrollers, relays, smart breakers, PLCs, and power supplies).
- Sourcing Tools: Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and strategic e-sourcing tools (SAP Ariba, Jaggaer, etc.).
- Cost & Quality Frameworks: Hands-on experience with clean-sheet costing, PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), APQP, and FMEA frameworks.
- Supply Chain Design: Proven track record of managing multi-region supply chains, localization projects, and international logistics.

Soft Skills

- Superior negotiation, contract drafting, and commercial closing skills.
- Robust analytical mindset with the ability to draw clear commercial insights from highly technical data sheets.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills to manage alignment across R&D;, Quality, Manufacturing, and external suppliers.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Annual Cost Savings: Percentage of net savings achieved against set category budget baselines.
- Localization Percentage: Value/volume of imported automation components successfully transitioned to resilient local supply bases.
- NPD Timeline Adherence: On-time sourcing and readiness of parts for new product development and prototyping phases.
- Supplier Risk Profile: Reduction in single-source exposures and high-risk supplier dependencies across the electrical automation portfolio.

📌 Sr. Engineer - DCA - Strategic Sourcing Electrical (Tamil Nadu)
🏢 Amara Raja Group
📍 Tamil Nadu