Engineer - Vehicle Cost Engineer (VCE)

Engineer – Vehicle Cost Engineer (VCE)

Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Pay Rate: $43.08/hour
Duration: July 3, 2026 – July 2, 2027
Schedule: Full-time, On-Site (Day Shift)
Openings: 4

We are seeking experienced Vehicle Cost Engineers to develop detailed cost estimates for automotive components and tooling using an activity-based costing methodology. This role works directly with bills of material (BOMs), engineering drawings, and physical samples to understand manufacturing processes and estimate component, manufacturing, and tooling costs.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams to support cost optimization throughout the product development lifecycle, from early concept through production.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed component cost estimates for new vehicle programs.
• Prepare early-phase cost estimates and bottom-up "should-cost" analyses.
• Analyze manufacturing methods, materials, tooling, and assembly processes to determine component costs.
• Support design-to-cost initiatives by identifying opportunities for cost reduction during product development.
• Assist purchasing teams during supplier negotiations through cost gap analyses of supplier quotations, including piece price, engineering development, and tooling costs.
• Conduct benchmarking and value optimization studies to improve product competitiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, finance, and suppliers to provide accurate cost analysis and recommendations.
• Perform global cost comparison analyses to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of material to support cost modeling.
• Prepare reports and presentations using Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Interior Component Experience

Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Soft Trim
• Carpet Systems
• NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) Components
• Thermoforming
• Compression Molding
• Interior Trim (Hard Trim and Soft Trim)
• Headliners
• Insulators
• Complete Seat Systems
• Foam Manufacturing
• Sewing & Trim Processes
• Seat Assembly
• Injection Molding
• Sun Visors
• Grab Handles
• Floor Consoles
• Door Trim Components

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive engineering, manufacturing, tooling, cost engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, and component assembly.
• Experience working within a high-volume manufacturing environment; automotive experience is strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of material (BOMs).
• Experience collaborating with engineering and purchasing teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and large volumes of components with varying complexity.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel approximately 5–10% as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using activity-based costing methodologies.
• Familiarity with cost modeling structures and should-cost analysis.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
• • Product Design Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Tool Development
  • Component Purchasing
  • Cost Engineering

Ideal Candidate

• Analytical and detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Able to work effectively across engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier organizations.
• Passionate about cost optimization and continuous improvement.

If you are interested, please reach out to Chin Yang at A-Line Staffing.