Cost Engineer

Job Description

Cost Engineer

Location: Pontiac, MI

Hybrid Schedule - Mon-Thurs Onsite, Remote on Fridays


Turn Manufacturing Data into Strategic Cost Advantages

Our client is seeking a Cost Engineer focused on purchased parts & production processes to support sourcing, product development, and cost optimization initiatives across a global manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for an analytical professional who understands manufacturing processes and enjoys uncovering opportunities to improve cost transparency, support supplier negotiations, and drive informed business decisions.

Working closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations teams, this position will develop detailed cost models for purchased components and manufacturing processes while identifying cost drivers, evaluating supplier quotations, and supporting value engineering initiatives. The successful candidate will combine strong analytical capabilities with practical manufacturing knowledge to influence profitability and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed should-cost models for purchased components, raw materials, manufacturing processes, and supplier cost structures.
• Analyze manufacturing processes including machining, molding, stamping, fabrication, assembly, and other production operations to identify cost drivers and optimization opportunities.
• Support supplier negotiations through fact-based cost analysis and benchmarking.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and identify opportunities for cost reduction, productivity improvements, and value enhancement.
• Partner with Engineering teams on design-to-cost and Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) initiatives.
• Provide cost analysis and financial input during new product development and sourcing activities.
• Monitor and analyze raw material pricing, manufacturing costs, labor trends, and market conditions impacting supplier costs.
• Develop cost breakdowns covering materials, labor, overhead, tooling, logistics, and supplier margins.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support strategic sourcing decisions through cost modeling and risk assessment.
• Maintain cost databases, benchmarks, and historical pricing information.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to improve cost visibility and decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in cost analysis methodologies and reporting processes.
• Support special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 3+ years of experience in cost analysis in an automotive manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and cost drivers.
• Experience analyzing purchased components, supplier pricing, or manufacturing operations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including data analysis, modeling, and reporting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with should-cost modeling and supplier cost analysis.
• ERP system experience
• Familiarity with global sourcing and international supply chains.
• Experience supporting supplier negotiations and sourcing initiatives.
• Understanding of VAVE, design-to-cost, and cost reduction methodologies.

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Cost Engineer
• Manufacturing Cost Analyst
• Should Cost Analyst
• Strategic Sourcing Analyst
• Procurement Analyst
• Value Engineering Analyst
• Product Cost Engineer

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Opportunity to directly influence sourcing decisions and business profitability.
• High-visibility role partnering with Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, and Supply Chain leaders.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing processes and global supply chain operations.
• Involvement in cost reduction, supplier negotiations, and product development initiatives.
• Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

If you're passionate about manufacturing, cost analysis, supplier economics, and data-driven decision-making, we encourage you to apply.