Vehicle Cost Engineer - Propulsion {178442}

Job Description

Job Description

Vehicle Cost Engineer – Propulsion (1627-1)

Pay Rate: $43.08 per hour

Location: CTC – Auburn Hills, MI

Schedule: Full-time, on-site, standard day shift

Openings: 4 Submittal Spots

Travel: Limited travel required (approximately 5–10%).

Critical Required Experience:
Candidates must have specific ENGINE ICE casting experience, including:

• Engine block
• Oil pan
• Cylinder head

Position Summary:

The Vehicle Cost Engineer develops detailed cost estimates for automotive components and tooling using activity-based costing methods. This position analyzes bills of materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, specifications, and physical samples to understand manufacturing processes and determine component, production, and tooling costs.

The engineer will apply established cost engineering methods to evaluate manufacturing expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support cost targets throughout vehicle development and production. This role works closely with Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, and supplier teams to ensure competitive and accurate cost structures from initial concept through serial production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop component cost estimates for new vehicle programs, including early-phase estimates and detailed bottom-up manufacturing cost calculations.
• Perform should-cost analysis based on manufacturing processes, materials, labor, tooling, and assembly requirements.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities and provide recommendations during vehicle development through Design-to-Cost initiatives.
• Support Purchasing during supplier negotiations by analyzing supplier cost breakdowns, including piece price, Engineering, Development and Design (ED&D), and tooling costs.
• Conduct gap analyses to identify differences between estimated costs and supplier proposals.
• Participate in benchmarking and value optimization activities.
• Perform should-cost assessments for components throughout their production lifecycle.
• Collaborate with global Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, Buyers, and suppliers.
• Prepare global cost comparison analyses in partnership with the broader Cost Engineering organization.
• Manage multiple components with varying levels of technical complexity.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the automotive industry or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of component design, materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly operations.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment; automotive experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering and Purchasing teams.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage a high volume of parts and competing priorities.
• Comfortable learning and utilizing standardized cost models, formulas, and analytical tools.

Common Cost Engineering Requirements:

• 5+ years of relevant experience in design engineering, manufacturing, tooling, cost engineering, or specialized manufacturing processes/commodities. Relevant internships may be considered.
• Strong technical knowledge of how automotive components are manufactured.
• Experience in at least one high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple departments, organizational levels, and global regions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with cost model structures and activity-based costing for component development.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• • Design Responsible Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Component Tool Development
  • Component Purchasing
• Previous experience performing component should-cost analysis or supplier cost evaluations.

Important Candidate Requirements:

• Specific internal combustion engine (ICE) casting experience is required.
• Experience must include engine blocks, oil pans, and cylinder heads.
• Position is full-time and on-site at the CTC facility in Auburn Hills.
• Candidates must be willing to travel approximately 5–10%.
• If you are interested, please reach out to Chin Yang at A-Line Staffing.