Cost Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Cost Engineer
Job Description

This role focuses on evaluating product designs for manufacturability and cost, developing detailed should-cost models, and supporting sourcing and negotiation activities with data-driven cost analysis. The cost engineer collaborates closely with vendors and internal engineering teams to identify value analysis and value engineering opportunities, track cost impacts from design changes, and maintain accurate cost reporting tools in an office and R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate product designs for manufacturability and overall cost effectiveness.
• Develop detailed should-cost models, including piece price and investment, using aPriori and other cost modeling solutions.
• Support RFQ (Request for Quotation) activities by preparing and reviewing supplier cost evaluations.
• Analyze and track cost impacts resulting from design changes throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support commercial negotiations by providing structured cost analysis and data-driven insights.
• Identify value analysis and value engineering (VA/VE) opportunities and cost reduction initiatives across components and assemblies.
• Maintain and continuously improve cost tracking and reporting tools to ensure accurate and timely cost visibility.
• Gather and clarify specification requirements, timing, and cost targets with internal stakeholders.
• Review CAD and BOM data along with supplier quotations to validate assumptions and ensure alignment with cost targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, procurement, and finance to align cost models with technical and commercial requirements.

• Proven cost engineering and manufacturing knowledge, including injection molding, metal stamping and fabrication, thermoforming, and assembly processes.
• Hands-on experience developing should-cost models for components and assemblies.
• Strong estimation skills for automotive or similar manufacturing environments.
• Ability to evaluate manufacturability of product designs, including injection-molded and stamped components.
• Proficiency with Excel and reporting tools for cost analysis and tracking.
• Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint for building cost reports and presentations.
• Experience using a CAD viewer such as CATIA V6 or an equivalent tool to review CAD drawings and models.
• Experience using aPriori or similar cost modeling software.
• Ability to interpret CAD drawings, bills of materials, and supplier quotes to build accurate cost models.
• Strong understanding of specification requirements, cost targets, and timing constraints in product development.
• Ability to support RFQ processes and supplier cost evaluations with structured analysis.

• Experience in automotive cost estimation or related manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with value analysis and value engineering (VA/VE) methodologies.
• Experience maintaining or improving cost tracking and reporting tools.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with vendors and internal engineering teams.
• Ability to present cost findings and recommendations clearly using PowerPoint and other reporting formats.

The role is based in an office and R&D setting with no manufacturing or laboratory access. Work involves extensive use of digital tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, CAD viewers (e.g., CATIA V6 or equivalent), and aPriori cost modeling software. The environment supports collaboration with engineering and sourcing teams, with a focus on analytical work, design reviews, and cost modeling activities carried out in a professional office setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Raymond, OH.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Raymond,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.