Automotive Cost Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Cost Estimator is responsible for developing accurate cost models, quotations, and manufacturing cost analyses for plastic injection molded automotive components, assemblies, tooling, and related manufacturing processes. This position works closely with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Sales to support customer quotations, program launches, engineering changes, and cost reduction initiatives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for plastic injection molded automotive components, assemblies, tooling, and secondary operations.
• Analyze material, labor, overhead, capital investment, and tooling costs to support customer quotations.
• Prepare piece-price calculations, cost breakdowns, and supporting documentation for customer submissions.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD data, specifications, and Bills of Material (BOMs) to determine manufacturing costs and feasibility.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Program Management to establish cost assumptions and production strategies.
• Support quoting activities for new business opportunities, engineering changes, and program launches.
• Maintain estimating databases, cost models, assumptions, and historical cost information.
• Participate in customer, supplier, and internal cost review meetings.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through value engineering, process improvements, and alternative manufacturing methods.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to quoting accuracy and profitability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Finance, or a related field; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
• Minimum 3–7 years of experience in cost estimating, cost engineering, quoting, or manufacturing cost analysis within an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience estimating plastic injection molded automotive components and related assembly operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures, including material, labor, overhead, tooling, capital expenditures, and piece-price development.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong analytical/problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Program Management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Tier 1 automotive supplier experience.
• Experience supporting automotive exterior trim, injection molded components, and assembly operations.
• Experience with tooling quotations and launch support activities.
• Knowledge of value engineering, cost reduction methodologies, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Experience supporting customer quotation submissions to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to customer, supplier, or manufacturing locations as required.