Cost Engineer - Vehicle / Automotive

Vehicle Cost Engineer's needed! Please apply now!
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite
Duration: 12+ Month Contract (Potential for Extension)
Pay Rate: $43.08/hr

We are seeking experienced Vehicle Cost Engineers to support multiple engineering commodity groups across vehicle development programs. This role is responsible for developing detailed component and tooling cost estimates using activity-based costing methodologies while supporting engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

This is an excellent opportunity for engineers with backgrounds in product development, manufacturing, tooling, supplier quality, process engineering, purchasing, or cost engineering who have a strong understanding of how automotive components are designed and manufactured.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed component and tooling cost estimates for new vehicle programs
• Perform bottom-up "should cost" analyses using manufacturing-based costing methodologies
• Analyze bills of materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, specifications, and physical samples
• Support Design-to-Cost (DTC) initiatives during vehicle development
• Conduct supplier cost breakdown analysis and cost gap assessments
• Support purchasing teams during supplier negotiations
• Participate in benchmarking and value optimization activities
• Develop global cost comparison analyses
• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, finance, manufacturing, and supplier teams
• Evaluate manufacturing processes, tooling requirements, material selection, and assembly methods
• Support cost convergence activities from concept development through production launch

Commodity Areas of Interest

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are highly desired:

Chassis & Engine Systems

• Suspension Systems
• Cradles
• Crossmembers
• Frames
• Suspension Links
• Knuckles
• Mounts
• Stabilizer Bars
• Springs
• Shock Absorbers
• Thermal Management Systems
• Heat Pumps
• Compressors
• Thermal Modules
• Air Intake Systems
• Air Filters

Body Systems

• Exterior Trim Components
• Bumpers
• Fascias
• Plastic Components
• Injection Molded Parts
• Painted Components
• Resin-Based Products
• Lighting Systems
• Sealing Systems
• Glazing Systems
• Wiper and Washer Systems

Preferred Industry Backgrounds

Experience supporting products manufactured through:

• Injection Molding
• Stamping
• Welding
• Casting
• Blow Molding
• Assembly Operations
• High-Volume Automotive Manufacturing

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of automotive or related engineering experience
• Experience in design engineering, manufacturing engineering, tooling, purchasing, supplier quality, process engineering, or cost engineering
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and component production methods
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally within a global organization

Preferred

• Prior Cost Engineering experience
• Activity-Based Costing experience
• Should-Cost Modeling experience
• Design Responsible Engineering background
• Manufacturing Engineering experience
• Component Tool Development experience
• Purchasing or Supplier Cost Analysis experience
• Experience within high-volume automotive manufacturing environments

Additional Information

• Full-time onsite position in Auburn Hills, MI
• Standard day shift schedule
• Limited travel required (approximately 5-10%)
• Opportunity to support multiple vehicle commodity areas based on candidate background and expertise

If you have a strong technical understanding of automotive components, manufacturing processes, and cost drivers, we encourage you to apply.

Please apply now - Jared Petrill