Vehicle Cost Engineer

TRG$80K — $110K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry or a related field
  • Strong English verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage a high volume of parts and their complexities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
  • Outstanding collaboration skills across various levels and global regions

Responsibilities

  • Develop component cost estimates for new programs
  • Conduct early-phase cost engineering estimates
  • Perform detailed 'should-cost' calculations using a bottom-up manufacturing approach
  • Support vehicle development by providing cost insights to meet targets
  • Assist purchasing with gap analyses during supplier negotiations
  • Engage in benchmarking and value optimization activities for cost assessments
  • Collaborate with global teams, including Engineering and Suppliers

Benefits

  • Opportunities for global collaboration and teamwork
  • Engagement in innovative cost engineering and estimation practices
  • Chance to work across various vehicle component scopes
  • Dynamic work environment tailored to continuous improvement
  • Access to a strong network of internal and external expert resources
Full Job Description
The Cost Engineer role develops detailed cost estimates for components and tooling using an activity-based costing approach. This role works directly with bills of material, drawings and physical samples to understand how parts are made and to estimate the associated component, manufacturing and investment costs.

In this position, you will use established methods and processes to analyze costs, provide guidance to internal teams and support cost convergence activities. You will collaborate with global engineering, purchasing, finance and supplier teams to ensure competitive and transparent cost structures from early concept through serial production.

Multiple roles are being fulfilled within this job posting for all component scopes within the vehicle structure (Body, Interior, Chassis, Engine Adaptation, Electrical Components and Systems, Powertrain). Position fulfillment to utilize applicant background and experience as paired to internal role needs. Organization Success in this role requires curiosity, agility and a collaborative mindset within a fast-paced, global environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop component cost estimates for new programs, including:
  • Early-phase cost engineering estimates
  • Detailed "should-cost" calculations using a bottom-up manufacturing approach
  • Provide idea generation and cost support during vehicle development to help achieve cost targets (Design-to-Cost)
  • Support purchasing during supplier negotiations by completing gap analyses of supplier cost breakdowns (Piece Price, ED&D, Tooling)
  • Contribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities, including serial life should-cost assessments
  • Collaborate closely with internal global team, Engineering, Buyers and Suppliers
  • Provide global cost comparison analysis in partnership with the broader Cost Engineering community

REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry or related technical field
  • Strong English verbal and written skills to support role job key deliverables
  • Ability to manage a high volume of parts and varying levels of complexity
  • Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple levels of the organization, functions and global regions

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
  • Familiarity with cost model structures and activity-based costing for component development
  • Experience in within one or multiple areas: Design Responsible Engineering, Manufacturing, Component Tool development or Component Purchasing

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