Vehicle Cost Engineer

JOb title : Vehicle Cost Engineer

Location: Auburn hills,MI

Duration: Long term

Cost Engineer 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 Stellantis 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). Position fulfillment to utilize applicant background and experience as paired to internal role needs. 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:

o Early‑phase cost engineering estimates

o 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

Interior

Experience with interior trim and cockpit components.

Strong knowledge of:

Injection molding for interior plastics.

Painting, chroming, decorative finishes.

Wrapping, cut & sew, assembly, plastic welding.

Familiarity with interior decorative and touch‑point requirements (stitching, leather, soft‑touch materials).

Comfortable assessing manufacturing feasibility and cost drivers for interior parts and sub‑assemblies.

******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

All Cost Engineer roles – common must‑haves

5+ years of relevant experience (design, manufacturing, tooling, cost engineering, or deep process/commodity expertise; relevant internships may be considered).

Strong technical understanding of parts and how they are manufactured (materials, processes, assembly flow).

Experience in at least one high‑volume manufacturing environment; automotive strongly preferred.****

Ability to work cross‑functionally with Engineering and Purchasing, and to interpret drawings, specifications, and BOMs.

Comfort learning and using standardized cost models, formulas, and tools (prior formal costing experience is a plus, not mandatory).*

Full‑time on‑site at CTC (Auburn Hills), standard day shift, willingness for limited travel (approx. 5–10%).

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.

About Kyyba:

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI, Kyyba has a global presence delivering high-quality resources and top-notch recruiting services, enabling businesses to effectively respond to organizational changes and technological advances.

At Kyyba, the overall well-being of our employees and their families is important to us. We are proud of our work culture which embodies our core values; incorporating value, passion, excellence, empowerment, and happiness, creates a vibrant and productive atmosphere. We empower our employees with the resources, incentives, and flexibility that they need to support a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling career by providing many valuable benefits and a balanced compensation structure combined with career development.

Disclaimer:

Kyyba is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Kyyba does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.”

It is the policy of Kyyba to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Kyyba at View phone number on click.appcast.io

Rewards:

Medical, dental, vision

401k

Term life

Voluntary life and disability insurance

Optional Pre-paid legal plan

Optional Identity theft plan

Optional Medical and dependent FSA

Work-visa sponsorship

Opportunity for advancement

Long-term assignment with opportunity for hire by client

SELECT AWARDS

· An INC 5000 company for 10 years

· Corp! Michigan Economic Bright Spots

· Crain’s Detroit Business Top Staffing Service Companies in Detroit

· TechServe Alliance Excellence Award- IT and Engineering Staffing & Solutions

· Best of MichBusiness winner in HR Wizards & Partnerships

· Metro Detroit Elite Category: Recruitment, Selection & Orientation for 101 Best & Brightest

· 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work for in Michigan