Product Development Costing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Pendleton has been woven in the West since 1863. Built on a legacy of craft, quality, and authenticity, our products are known for their timeless design and enduring stories. The Development Costing Engineer role is an opportunity to shape the financial foundation of our product creation process, applying technical expertise and sound judgment to ensure products meet margin goals while upholding brand standards.

This role supports product creation across Apparel, Home, and Accessories, partnering closely with Product Management, Design, Product Development, and Supply Chain. From early concept through development, you will help teams navigate trade-offs, manage risk, and deliver products that reflect Pendleton’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage.

What You’ll Do

Costing Execution & Ownership

• Own and execute style-level costing from initial concept through final development
• Build and maintain accurate cost models across materials, trims, labor, construction, and vendor variables
• Manage costing throughout proto and development stages, tracking against targets and flagging risks early

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Product Management and Planning to align cost targets with margin expectations and product intent
• Collaborate with Product Development and Sourcing to understand construction methods and key cost drivers
• Act as a trusted, collaborative partner across teams, modeling professionalism and inclusivity

Analysis & Decision Support

• Provide clear cost analysis, including trade-offs and recommendations to guide product decisions
• Identify and mitigate cost risks while protecting brand standards and product integrity

Vendor & Cost Engineering

• Partner directly with vendors on pre-costing, negotiations, and cost engineering to meet targets without compromising quality

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Contribute to continuous improvement of costing tools, templates, and processes
• Support special projects related to development efficiency and calendar optimization

Industry Expertise & Field Engagement

• Stay current on manufacturing processes, materials, and sourcing trends—especially wool, woven, and heritage fabrics
• Travel to factories as needed to support development and resolve issues

Core Expectations

• Bring a strong foundation in technical costing and financial analysis, including cost engineering and retail math
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex cost drivers and translate them into clear, actionable insights
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail across multiple styles and timelines
• Operate with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset focused on practical and brand-aligned outcomes
• Collaborate effectively across functions and influence without direct authority
• Communicate clearly and confidently, including presenting costing trade-offs to partners
• Adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic development environment
• Show curiosity and initiative in learning new tools, processes, and product categories
• Uphold and support a culture of quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement

What You Bring

• 7+ years of experience in Product Development, Technical Design, Costing, or a related field
• Direct experience working with factories, vendors, or mills strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of apparel, home, or accessories manufacturing and construction
• Proven ability to manage costing across multiple product categories and development stages
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills
• Appreciation for craftsmanship, quality materials, and heritage-driven brands