Cost Engineer
Cost Engineer Location: Auburn Hills, MI Shift: Standard Day Shift (Potential for minor adjustments due to global team time zones) Pay Rate: $43.08/hr The Cost Engineer develops detailed, bottom-up cost estimates for components and tooling using an activity-based costing approach. Working directly with bills of material (BOMs), technical drawings, and physical samples, you will determine how parts are manufactured and estimate their associated material, manufacturing, and investment costs. In this role, you will utilize established standardized methods to analyze costs, provide analytical guidance to internal teams, and support cost convergence activities. Success requires curiosity, technical agility, and a highly collaborative mindset in a fast-paced, global automotive environment. Key Deliverables Should-Cost Modeling: Develop detailed "should-cost" calculations and early-phase cost engineering estimates using a bottom-up manufacturing approach. Design-to-Cost Support: Generate ideas and provide cost feedback during vehicle development to help engineering teams hit target costs. Supplier Negotiations: Support purchasing during supplier negotiations by completing technical gap analyses of supplier cost breakdowns (Piece Price, ED&D, Tooling). Benchmarking: Contribute to competitive benchmarking and value optimization activities, including serial-life should-cost assessments. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with internal global teams, engineering, buyers, and suppliers to align cost strategies. Role Requirements Basic Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in the automotive industry or high-volume technical manufacturing environment (Tier-1/Tier-2 or OEM background preferred). Manufacturing Depth: Strong technical understanding of how parts are manufactured (materials, assembly flow, tooling). Blueprints: Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Material (BOMs). Communication: Strong English verbal and written communication skills to support cross-functional global collaboration (interfacing with France/Italy teams). Software: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Logistics: Willingness to travel occasionally (approx. 5–10%). Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with cost model structures and activity-based costing methodology. Background in Design Responsible Engineering (DRE), Manufacturing Engineering, Component Tooling Development, or Component Purchasing. Target Backgrounds: OEMs (Stellantis, Ford, GM, Toyota) or major Tier-1 suppliers (Magna, Bosch, Denso). Provide cost analysis and cost advice Identify product cost reduction opportunities Manage major cost reduction ideas Determine best cost reduction opportunities Achieve desired cost objectives and provide cost alternatives Conducting cost reconciliation to meet client's cost requirements Learned and develop cost reduction plans Providing cost estimates and evaluations Perform all cost development activities Containing schedule and cost information Preparing project and turnaround cost reports Coordinating cost estimating/forecasting activities including periodic project re-estimates and cost benchmark metrics Discuss cost information with project contractors Propose lower cost design concepts Interpret spreadsheets and cost data to determine cost saving opportunities Provide cost forecast for project team management Lead and participate in cost reduction events Lead the cost volume team Verify other committed cost information against cost estimates Collect costs and produce forecast based on progress of work
- Lake Angelus, MI
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