Vehicle Cost Engineer (Interior Systems)

Job Description

Job Description

Vehicle Cost Engineer (Interior Systems)

Location: Auburn Hills, MI (On-Site)
Pay Rate: $43.08/hr
Duration: 12-Month Contract
Schedule: Full-Time, Day Shift
Travel: Approximately 5–10% as needed

Position Overview

Stellantis is seeking a Vehicle Cost Engineer to support the Interior Department at its Auburn Hills headquarters. This role is responsible for developing detailed component and tooling cost estimates using activity-based costing methodologies. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams to analyze manufacturing processes, develop should-cost models, and support cost optimization initiatives throughout the product lifecycle.

Candidates must possess strong technical knowledge of automotive interior components and manufacturing processes. Experience must be clearly documented within specific positions on the resume and not solely listed in a summary section.

Interior Commodity Experience (Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following areas)

• Soft Trim
• Carpet Systems
• NVH Components
• Thermoforming
• Compression Molding
• Interior Hard Trim
• Interior Soft Trim
• Headliners
• Insulators
• Complete Seat Systems
• • Foaming Processes
  • Sewing & Trimming Processes
  • Seat Assembly
  • Injection Molding
• Sun Visors
• Grab Handles
• Floor Consoles
• Door Trim Components

Responsibilities

• Develop component cost estimates for new vehicle programs.
• Create early-phase cost engineering assessments and detailed should-cost analyses.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, materials, labor, overhead, tooling, and investment costs.
• Support Design-to-Cost initiatives during vehicle development.
• Assist Purchasing teams during supplier negotiations by performing supplier cost gap analyses.
• Conduct benchmarking and value optimization activities.
• Support serial production cost assessments and cost reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, Buyers, Suppliers, and global cost engineering teams.
• Prepare and present cost analysis findings to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of automotive industry experience or related technical experience.
• Experience in design engineering, manufacturing engineering, tooling, cost engineering, purchasing, or related technical disciplines.
• Strong understanding of component manufacturing processes, materials, and assembly methods.
• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive preferred).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, parts, and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple organizational levels and global teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with activity-based costing methodologies.
• Familiarity with cost modeling tools and should-cost analysis.
• Experience in Design Responsible Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Development, or Component Purchasing.
• Previous automotive interior systems experience.