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General information

Location:
Shanghai - Shanghai, China - 18 Hongmei Road
Job Family:
Engineering
Additional Location:
Garching - Bavaria, Germany - Parking 1-5 Business Campus
Worker Type Reference:
Regular - Permanent
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Career Level:
T4
Job ID:
R-53561-2026

Description & Requirements

A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

  • Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience.

  • Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence.

  • Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment.

About the Role

The Principal engineer Product Target costing shape, drive applies HARMAN’s Target Costing methodology within assigned electronic & Acoustics system programs. The role owns system, process governance to ensure an end-to-end target cost execution at system and module level. As the system owner, it ensures cost transparency, identifying cost gaps, and supporting cost closure actions in close collaboration with Engineering, Purchasing, Program Management, and Finance globally.

What You Will Do

Target Costing project & program Execution

  • Owner of Target costing system/process/framework for Automotive passenger electronic systems.

  • Lead, drive HARMAN Target Costing methodology for programs.

  • Translate customer target prices into system, module, and component-level target costs.

  • Identify, lead and track cost gaps, risks, and opportunities.

  • Drive cross program standards for cost closure actions with cross-functional stakeholders.

  • Ensure target cost alignment at key program milestones.

  • Develop, shape independently and maintain Target-cost models for HW, SW, and manufacturing.

  • Analyze BOMs, architectures, and manufacturing concepts.

  • Perform benchmarking and competitive cost analysis.

  • Identify value engineering opportunities and lead it through CVM process.

  • Support value workshops and cost reduction initiatives.

  • Drive Contribute to reuse, modularization, and standardization strategies.

What You Need to Be Successful

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in industrial engineering, Business Engineering or related field.

  • 7+ years of experience in Target costing, cost engineering, product costing, or similar.

  • Prior proven experience on Automotive cost management.

  • Deep technical understanding of Automotive electronics or Display.

  • Strong exposure to Automotive cost structures and product lifecycle.

  • Analytical, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

  • Ensure a sustainable knowledge Transfer globally and succession.

  • Proactive Consistent user experience and foster high adoption.

  • Beyond the line analytical skills in competitive benchmarking and cost modeling; advanced Excel proficiency.

Bonus Points if You Have

  • Tier1electronic system experience.

  • Solid technical understanding of Automotive acoustics.

  • Tear down benchmark background.

  • Knowledge on 3rd party relevant tools.

  • Familiarity with CRM/ERP systems is an advantage.

  • Proven ability to coordinate across multiple departments and drive alignment.

  • AI machine learning applicable Method.

What Makes You Eligible

  • Fluent in English language.

  • Willingness to travel, if necessary.

What We Offer

  • Flexible work environment.

  • Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.).

  • Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.

  • Competitive wellness benefits.

  • “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.

  • An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.


About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology 
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' 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 '@harman.com' about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: harmancareers@harman.com. 

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.(www.harman.com

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 harmancareers@harman.com. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.