Senior Engineer - Digital Control Automation (Strategic Sourcing - Electrical)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Education & Experience

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.

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.

Superior negotiation, contract drafting, and commercial closing skills.

Solid 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)

Percentage of net savings achieved against set category budget baselines.

Value/volume of imported automation components successfully transitioned to resilient local supply bases.

Supplier Risk Profile: Reduction in single-source exposures and high-risk supplier dependencies across the electrical automation portfolio.

📌 Senior Engineer - Electrical/Electronic (Chennai)
🏢 Amara Raja Group
📍 Chennai