Cost Engineer - Technology, Strategy & Methods

Req ID 86293 | Farmington Hills, United States ZF Active Safety and Electronics US LLC

About the Position

Reporting to the Head of Cost Engineering, the Cost Engineer delivers best in class product cost and emission calculations at the technology level and supports target cost achievement through strong technical expertise, on site validations, and cost down workshops with suppliers and operations. This role drives continuous improvement by defining, governing, and implementing cost engineering (CE) processes, methods, and tools, while ensuring effective risk, compliance, and knowledge management. Additional responsibilities include leading expert teams, delivering trainings (e.g., Design to Cost, moderation, negotiation), evaluating and implementing new costing tools, serving as a CE systems and tools administrator, and ensuring accurate master data management.

What you can look forward to as Cost Engineer – E‑Technology (m/f/d):

• Perform best‑practice product cost and emission calculations on technology level (e.g., CEI, BPI, BPG, BPB)
• Apply strong manufacturing and process knowledge, including on‑site validations
• Lead and support cost‑down workshops with suppliers and internal operations (PPV & OPV improvements)
• Contribute to target achievement through should‑cost modeling and early cost‑lever identification
• Develop, implement, and govern Cost Engineering processes, methods, and standards
• Drive Design‑to‑Cost and CIP initiatives across product lifecycle phases
• Evaluate, implement, and improve cost engineering tools and systems, including user trainings
• Support and lead expert teams, trainings, and cross‑functional initiatives

Your Profile as Cost Engineer – E‑Technology (m/f/d):

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5–6 years of professional experience in cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, or process optimization (complex industrial environment preferred)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing technologies and production cost structures
• Experience with should‑cost modeling, cost benchmarking, and technology evaluation
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI); experience with aPriori, Costimator, or similar cost‑engineering software
• Knowledge of product lifecycle costing, value engineering, and Design‑to‑Cost methods
• Analytical, structured, and innovative mindset with strong problem‑solving skills
• Confident communicator with the ability to collaborate in global, cross‑functional teams

What We Offer:

• A supportive collaborative team environment
• Annual Incentive Plan
• Paid Vacation 
• Personal Time
• 401k Plan
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Holidays 
• A strong diversity culture
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities

ZF does not offer visa sponsorship for this role (e.g., H-1B, TN), and candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship by ZF now or in the future. This role also does not include any immigration-related support, including—but not limited to—being listed on government forms, providing documentation for work authorization, coordinating with universities, or participating in training plans or other procedures related to visa status (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1, O-1, L-1, E-3, and any other status requiring employer sponsorship or immigration-related support). IF YOU REQUIRE ANY FORM OF VISA SPONSORSHIP OR ANY IMMIGRATION SUPPORT NOW OR IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY.

Be part of our ZF team as Cost Engineer - Technology, Strategy & Methods and apply now!

Contact

Gabriela Palacio

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran