Vehicle Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer (Contract) – Automotive

Auburn Hills, MI
$43.08/hour
1-Year Contract (Potential for Extension/Conversion)
Shift: First Shift (subject to adjustment based on global team collaboration)

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Cost Engineers to support a leading automotive organization in Auburn Hills, MI. This role is responsible for developing detailed cost estimates for vehicle components and tooling using an activity-based costing approach.

You will work hands-on with bills of materials, engineering drawings, and physical samples to understand manufacturing processes and accurately estimate component, production, and investment costs. This role partners closely with global teams across engineering, purchasing, finance, and suppliers to ensure competitive and transparent cost structures from concept through production.

Multiple openings are available across various vehicle component areas, including Body, Interior, Chassis, Engine Adaptation, Electrical Systems, and Powertrain . Candidates will be aligned based on experience and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for new vehicle programs, including:
• • Early-phase cost projections
  • Detailed “should-cost” models using bottom-up manufacturing analysis
• Support Design-to-Cost initiatives by providing cost guidance during product development
• Partner with purchasing teams during supplier negotiations by conducting gap analyses on:
• • Piece price
  • Engineering, Design & Development (ED&D)
  • Tooling costs
• Perform benchmarking and value optimization, including lifecycle cost assessments
• Collaborate with global engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams
• Provide global cost comparison and analysis across programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of automotive or relevant technical experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to manage high volumes of components with varying complexity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across global teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with activity-based costing and cost modeling structures
• Background in one or more of the following:
• • Design Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Tooling Development
  • Component Purchasing

What We’re Looking For

• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail
• Curiosity and problem-solving ability
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global environment
• Strong collaboration and communication skills

Why Apply?

• Competitive hourly pay at $43.08/hour
• Opportunity to work with a global automotive leader
• Exposure to cross-functional and international teams
• Potential for long-term opportunities

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