Costing Engineer

Costing Engineer

The Costing Engineer is responsible for developing highly accurate, technically grounded cost estimates and temporary manufacturing routings for medical device components. This role bridges the gap between initial RFQ and full production by translating complex drawings and program requirements into executable process steps. You will identify and categorize cost-saving opportunities as "pre-launch" or "post-launch" initiatives, ensuring that both speed-to-market and long-term profitability are optimized.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Routing & Estimation

• Develop Temporary Routings: Construct detailed, step-by-step technical routings for new programs, defining work centers, setup times, and run rates based on precision machining capabilities.
• Resource Calculation: Analyze machine resource requirements and labor hours to ensure cost models reflect true production constraints.
• Comprehensive Cost Analysis: Build detailed estimates for RFQs, including material, precision metrology, tooling, and specialized outside processing (e.g., passivation, anodizing).

Strategic Cost Optimization

• Initial Cost Savings Identification: Evaluate new programs for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and process efficiency.
• Optimization Roadmap: Categorize cost-reduction initiatives based on timeline and ROI:
  • Pre-Launch: Critical process optimizations to be implemented during the validation phase.
  • Post-Launch: Continuous improvement and value engineering projects targeted for implementation after the initial ramp-up.

Process & Quality Integration

• Technical Print Review: Analyze engineering drawings, GD&T, and material specifications for manufacturability and cost impact within a regulated (ISO 13485) framework.
• Like Model Technical Review: Construct costings where no drawings or models exist based on prior or 'as like' SKU's. Collaboration with R&D, Commercial Sales, Supply Chain, and external vendors.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify technical risks related to tight tolerances or complex geometries that may impact yield or delivery.
• Variance Analysis: Partner with Production to perform "Estimate vs. Actual" audits, refining costing templates based on real-world run rates.
• Launch NC and scrap rate targets: 3% or less.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in high-precision CNC machining, specifically within the medical device industry.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of metrology and quality requirements for regulated manufacturing.

Technical & Soft Skills

• Routing Logic: Proven ability to visualize and document a manufacturing sequence from raw material to finished, packaged product.
• Analytical Proficiency: Expert-level Excel skills for complex data manipulation and cost modeling.
• Systems Knowledge: Experience with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, and quoting software.
• Communication: Ability to articulate technical cost drivers to Commercial Sales, Engineering, and executive leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Estimate Accuracy: Minimal variance between quoted cost and actual first-run production cost.
• Quote Response Time: Agility in providing technical routings for competitive RFQ windows.
• Savings Implementation: Total dollar value of cost-savings identified and successfully integrated.
• Program Margin: Achievement of target gross margins on awarded medical device programs.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Engineering Manager.
• Primary Collaborators: Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial Sales.