Sr. Cost Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Cost Engineer to support our supply chain organization in all vehicle manufacturing commodities. This role requires a deep technical understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, cost modeling, and engineering design. The Senior Cost Engineer will play a critical role in developing accurate, defensible cost estimates to support commercial negotiations and drive cost-reduction initiatives. 

You Will:

• Develop Detailed Cost Estimates: Utilize Engineering BoM information, engineering drawings, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models, and physical parts to generate precise piece price cost estimates. This includes calculating cycle times, labor, material costs, and overheads for various manufacturing processes. 

• Teardown and Analysis: Perform teardown of complex automotive components to analyze parts and develop a Bill of Materials (BoM). When detailed engineering data is not available, create cost estimates using physical parts and in-depth process knowledge. 

• Value Analysis and Engineering: Support Value Analysis and Value Engineering activities by identifying cost-saving opportunities within designs and manufacturing processes. 

• Cost Model Creation: Develop comprehensive cost models across commodities, leveraging technical expertise in automotive manufacturing processes, including cycle time calculations, to provide feedback on supplier quotations and ensure cost accuracy. 

• Engineering Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams to interpret CAD models, understand detailed design drawings, and support design-to-cost initiatives for new products and engineering changes. 

• Process Knowledge: Apply in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes such as electronics assembly, PCB manufacturing, harnesses, injection molding, stamping, casting, and general assembly to provide insights and optimize cost estimates. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with procurement, engineering, finance, and operations to develop cost targets for tooling and the total vehicle BoM, supporting the Engineering Lifecycle across all platforms. 

• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and maintain key cost driver data, including raw materials, production labor, machine rates, and process parameters, to build data-driven cost models. 

• Project Leadership: Lead projects and take the initiative to implement corrective actions, propose innovative solutions, and effectively communicate with project teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 

• Supplier Visits: 15% Ability to travel to supplier locations to review manufacturing processes with Procurement and Engineering. 

You Bring:

• Manufacturing Process Expertise: Extensive knowledge of various automotive manufacturing processes, including cycle time calculations, tooling requirements, and production cost drivers. 

• Cost Modeling: Proven experience in developing and utilizing complex cost models, integrating engineering data, manufacturing process knowledge, and supplier quotations. 

• Engineering Design Understanding: Strong engineering skills to interpret CAD models, understand engineering design drawings, and extract key cost-related information for accurate cost estimation. 

• CAD Proficiency: Proficiency in using CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) to analyze and interpret component designs, contributing to cost estimates and process optimization. 

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to break down components, perform teardowns, and create data-driven cost models for complex assemblies and individual parts. 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, finance, or a related field. An MBA or Master of Engineering is highly preferred. 

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing costing, including electronics, PCBA, harnesses, injection molding, stamping, casting, and general assemblies. Experience in Automotive Industry is ideal. 

• Curiosity and Initiative: A proactive mindset with a keen curiosity to explore cost-saving opportunities and build from scratch in a fast-paced environment.