About the Position

Cost Engineer, Best Cost Analytics, Semiconductor (m/f/d)

Location: DE_Garching_Parkring 1-5, DE_Karlsbad_Becker Göring Straße 16, HU_Budapest_Vaci Ut 96 13th District

Job Family: Engineering

Worker Type Reference: Regular - Permanent

Pay Rate Type: Salary

Career Level: Senior

Job ID: R-53485-2026

About the Role

The Principal Cost Engineer works to achieve the profitability and growth goals defined by the leadership strategy through a cross-functional collaborative environment with Procurement, Engineering, Customer Account Management, Manufacturing, and Suppliers.

Responsibilities

Utilize internal and external databases to build cost models that will establish Design-to-Cost targets for components, modules, assemblies designed into HARMAN Automotive products.
Define the HARMAN “best practice” cost reference for the Harman Automotive products to a component level.
Analyze cost breakdowns from supplier quotes and understand all cost influent factors.
Lead the technical definition and implementation of electronic system cost modeling solutions, including the identification of analytics that enable trend data to be established.
Develop close technical relationships with suppliers to identify best cost solutions, including emerging technologies that provide cost improvements.
Work with Engineering & Product Sourcing teams during the new business quoting phase to establish reference cost targets.
Support Procurement teams during negotiating events with target costing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Minimum 5 years work experience in the following areas:
- Cost engineering of electronic systems
- VA/VE of electronic systems
- Design & development of electronic systems
- Electronic system component engineering
Experience with complex components, modules, assemblies.
Proven technical leadership with demonstrated ability to lead and review the work of other cost engineers.
Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical topics through structured solutions. Must be able to influence others to drive alignment on proposed technical solutions.
Demonstrated ability to break down component costs into the constituent costs.
Excellent presentation skills and demonstrated ability to effectively present complex technical topics.
Experience working in a fast-paced, highly measured, results-focused environment.
Proven team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can effectively work with all levels of a global organization.
Accepts overall accountability.
Leading role in cross-functional teams to achieve financial and/or transformational targets.
Fluency in English.

Nice to Have

Master’s degree in engineering.
Minimum 2 years work experience in developing costs models for component, modules, assemblies.
Experience with automotive electronic systems is highly desirable, including experience selecting and/or recommending automotive grade components.
Demonstrated ability to share knowledge and best practices with teammates.
Change Orientation: Able to adapt to changing demands and conditions.

What We Offer

Flexible work environment.
Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.) products.
Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
Attractive salary package.
“Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

About HARMAN

Ever since the 1920s, we’ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today’s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world’s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners, and each other.

If you’re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!

Important Notice: Recruitment Scams

Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', ‘@careers.harman.com’ or ‘@harmanglobal.avature.net’ email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information, or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: [email protected].

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you – all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications, and job-related performance.

HARMAN is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Cost Engineer

Job description