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Vehicle Cost Engineer

Technology Resource Group

Auburn Hills, MI

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Activity-Based Costing (ABC), Automotive Industry, Automotive Technology, Benchmarking, Bill of Materials (BOM), Casting, Clothes Making, Cost Analysis, Cost Engineering, Cost Estimates, Cost Modeling, Cross-Functional, Electric Motor, Electromechanics, Electronics, English Language, Finance, Gap Analysis, High Voltage (HV), Injection Molding, Machine Tool, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Cost, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Negotiation Skills, People Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Flow, Product Development, Pumps, Purchasing/Procurement, Specimen Collection, Technical/Engineering Design, Tool and Die Manufacturing, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Auburn Hills, MI
POSTED
10 days ago
We are looking for multiple Cost Engineers with a Design/Release or Product Development background to fill various roles with experience in one or more of the following Automotive Systems:  
  • DRIVELINE - Axles, Transfer Case, Assembly, Casting, Machining, Forging, Halfshaft, Rear Drive Unit, Front Drive Unit
  • ELECTRO-MECHANICAL - Electric Pump, Engine Ignition
  • HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRONICS - Electric Drive Module, Converter DC DC, Charger, Inverter
  • ENGINE - Casting, Engine Block, Oil Pan, Cylinder Head
  • INTERIOR SOFT TRIM/CARPET/NVH - Thermoforming, Compression, NVH, Carpet, Insulator
  • INTERIOR TRIM - HARD/SOFT - Headliner, Insulator, NVH
  • SEATING - Foaming process, Sewing and Trimming process, Seat Assembly, Injection Molding
  • SUNVISOR/GRAB HANDLE
  • FLOOR CONSOLE DOOR TRIM
  • BODY EXTERIOR - Plastic, Injection, Painting, Resin, Trims, Bumpers, Fascias
  • SEALING/GLAZING - Glazing, Sealing, Washing, Wiping
  • LIGHTING
  • SUSPENSION STAMPING
  • AIR INTAKE
  • SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
  • SUSPENSION CASTING/MOUNTS
  • SUSPENSION STAMPING
  • COMPRESSOR/HEAT PUMP

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.

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
  • All Cost Engineer roles – common must-haves
  • 5+ years of relevant experience (design, manufacturing, tooling, cost engineering, or deep process/commodity expertise; relevant internships may be considered).
  • Strong technical understanding of parts and how they are manufactured (materials, processes, assembly flow).
  • Experience in at least one high-volume manufacturing environment; automotive strongly preferred.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering and Purchasing, and to interpret drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
  • Comfort learning and using standardized cost models, formulas, and tools (prior formal costing experience is a plus, not mandatory).*

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Full-time on site in Auburn Hills, MI
  • Standard day shift
  • Limited travel 5–10%

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About the Company

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Technology Resource Group