Should-Cost Subject Matter Expert (Manufacturing)

Job Description
Engagement type: Contract /Full-time

Experience:
10+ years Work Mode: Hybrid Role Summary We are seeking a Should-Cost SME with a hands-on manufacturing background to build defensible, fact-based cost models for manufactured parts and assemblies. You will build Cost model in most realistic way for US client for various Country of Origin. Use of AI is recommended.

Key Responsibilities
• Build bottom-up should-cost models from drawings/ 3D data, specifications, and teardowns, covering material, process routing, labor, machine time, overhead, SG&A;, and margin. Sometimes just with SKU numbers.
• Should work with ambiguous input data and build cost models
• Develop landed-cost views including tooling/Engineering, freight, duties, tariffs, and packaging
• Analyze gaps between should-cost and supplier quotes /PO, and identify cost-down levers
• Support Cost models with clear, auditable fact bases
• Create reusable cost templates, rate libraries, and assumption logs
• Should be able to handle large data, XL sheets with numerous numbers
• Bring creative ideas to the table to cater to the wide-ranging requirements from the customer Required Qualifications
• 10+ years in manufacturing, cost engineering, or sourcing, with a proven should-cost track record
• Should have good communication skills (verbal/ written) with excellent soft skills
• Expertise in at least 5 processes (e.g., machining, stamping, injection molding, casting, forging, fabrication,



PCB electronics assembly)
• Deep understanding of process, costing, sourcing knowledge of Electronics assemblies, Bare PCB, PCBAs, Plastic Injection molding parts is mandatory
• Strong command on machine hour rates, labor and overhead build-ups, yield/scrap, and tooling amortization
• Working knowledge of commodity pricing indices (metals, resins) and tariff/duty impacts
• Advanced Excel modeling skills with AI (Claude) integration
• Demonstrated experience using should-cost in supplier negotiations, with quantified savings
• Should be able to workout the correct % of various countries with different manufacturing processes with different industries Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Galorath, aPriori, MS Excel or similar tools
• Background in automotive, industrial, electronics, or consumer products
• Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or any stream)
• Experience across multiple regions costing (e.g., US, Mexico, China, India, Europe, SEA) Core Competencies Analytical mindset, commercial judgment, clear communication with both engineers and executives, structured documentation, and comfort challenging assumptions, including their own. Success Measures (First 6-12 Months)
• Should-cost models delivered across priority categories
• Model-to-actual accuracy within [±10%]
• Validated savings of [$X / X%] identified and captured
• Reusable cost library and templates adopted by the team

📌 Should-Cost Subject Matter Expert (Pune)
🏢 Emergys
📍 Pune