COST OPTIMIZATION SPECIALIST

Innovation. Sustainability. Productivity. This is how we are advancing our mission to sustainably support farmers and builders worldwide. With a growing global population and increased resource demands, our products play a crucial role in feeding and sheltering the world. From alternative power solutions to precision technology, we deliver impactful solutions—made possible by people like you.

About the role

The Cost Optimization Specialist in electrical is a key role to drive and implement company margin improvement goals. The individual will work closely with electrical commodity cross-functional teams (Product Development, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Logistics, Commercial, Services) and suppliers to screen, track, and implement cost optimization projects, while promoting internal and external idea generation activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Cost Optimization lead for Electrical Commodities, working closely with the Electrical CMD team to identify, prioritize, and execute cost reduction initiatives across electrical and electronic components, wire harnesses, sensors, controllers, switches, connectors, and related assemblies.
• Proactively identify and prioritize cost-saving opportunities, building a forward-looking project roadmap to support annual purchasing targets.
• Manage ideation and benchmarking activities, including workshops, line walks, and competitive analysis to drive innovative cost-down strategies.
• Develop and apply cost modeling tools to analyze components across commodities, including wire harnesses, electrical assemblies, and electronic components, to support sourcing decisions and supplier negotiations.
• Support the execution of cost reduction projects by partnering with Product Development, Purchasing, Logistics, and other business functions to ensure timely delivery and measurable impact.
• Provide technical expertise in external and internal value engineering and value analysis.
• Challenge existing design concepts, material grade selections, and technologies to evaluate whether products are designed to optimize cost and quality.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to review electrical/electronic designs, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising performance or compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 9+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with roles in purchasing, design engineering, cost management, quality, or related functions.
• 3+ years of project management experience related to product development.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering specifications, electrical schematics, and wire harness layouts.
• Hands-on experience in electrical/electronic systems, including wire harness design, electrical components costing, supplier negotiations, or electronic assemblies.

Pay

The annual salary for this role is USD $86,625.00 - $132,825.00 plus any applicable bonus. Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as skill, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements
• Savings & Retirement benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Adoption assistance
• Fertility & Family building support
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Charitable contribution matching and Volunteer Time Off

Job Location: Oak Brook, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full Time
Working Mode: Hybrid