Vehicle Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer
Auburn Hills
Onsite

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
Organization Success in this role requires curiosity, agility, and a collaborative mindset within a fast‐paced, global environment.

Key Deliverables
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

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related technical field
Minimum of 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 Qualifications
• 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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