Cost Engineer

Cost Reduction EngineerThe Cost Reduction Engineer identifies, leads, and implements engineering-driven cost reduction initiatives across existing products while maintaining quality and performance. This role performs value engineering and should-cost analysis, partners closely with cross-functional teams, and drives approved projects from concept through implementation to improve gross margin and overall profitability. The position offers the opportunity to build and shape a new value engineering function with high visibility and significant influence on product design and manufacturing strategy.ResponsibilitiesIdentify and execute engineering-driven cost reduction initiatives across existing products while maintaining quality, performance, and reliability.Perform value engineering and should-cost analysis to uncover cost savings opportunities in materials, components, assemblies, and manufacturing processes.Evaluate materials, components, assemblies, and manufacturing methods to recommend cost-effective alternatives and process improvements.Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams to develop and validate cost optimization strategies.Develop clear, data-driven recommendations for product cost optimization that support both technical requirements and business objectives.Drive approved cost reduction projects through the full implementation lifecycle, from concept and analysis through validation and release.Support cost modeling and value engineering activities across multiple product lines to ensure consistent, scalable cost reduction practices.Track, quantify, and communicate savings opportunities and project results to stakeholders and leadership.Improve gross margin through engineering improvements, design enhancements, and design-to-cost methodologies.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles into product designs.Contribute to the creation and maturation of a new value engineering function, including processes, tools, and best practices.Partner with executive leadership and key stakeholders to align cost reduction initiatives with broader product and manufacturing strategies.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.5+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.Direct experience in Value Engineering, Cost Engineering, Product Costing, Design-to-Cost, or Cost Reduction activities.Demonstrated success leading and delivering measurable cost reduction initiatives.Manufacturing industry experience with proven cost savings initiatives and cost analysis.Strong understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.Experience with cost analysis, cost modeling, and should-cost methodologies.Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make sound engineering and business recommendations.Effective cross-functional communication skills with the ability to collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and procurement teams.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in automotive or aerospace manufacturing environments.Hands-on experience with design for manufacturing and design for assembly methods.ERP/MRP system experience.Background in value engineering, cost engineering, or design-to-cost in a multi-product environment.Ability to influence product design and manufacturing strategy through data-driven insights.Comfort working in a fast-growing organization transitioning toward a more mature manufacturing operation.Strong project leadership skills, including the ability to drive cross-functional initiatives to completion.Work EnvironmentThis position is 100% onsite in Poway, CA, within a collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams in a setting that blends technical analysis, project leadership, and stakeholder collaboration. The organization is fast-growing and evolving from a smaller company into a more mature manufacturing operation, offering high visibility, direct impact on profitability and gross margin, and the opportunity to build a new value engineering function from the ground up. The culture emphasizes cross-functional partnership, continuous improvement, and long-term cost optimization across multiple product lines.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $52.88 - $62.50/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Poway, CA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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 click.appcast.io 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.