Vehicle Cost Engineer - Vehicle Structure

Vehicle Cost Engineer

Job Type: Contract to hire
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Pay Range: $43.08/hour

We are seeking multiple Vehicle Cost Engineers to support advanced automotive programs across various vehicle systems, including chassis, body, interior, and propulsion. In this role, you will analyze how vehicle components are designed and manufactured to develop accurate cost estimates using structured methodologies.

This position is ideal for engineers with strong manufacturing or product knowledge who want to expand into cost engineering. You will play a key role in supporting cost targets, supplier strategy, and design decisions from early concept through production—working cross-functionally in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

WHAT’S THE JOB?

• Develop detailed cost estimates for vehicle components and tooling using activity-based costing methods
• Analyze Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and physical parts to understand manufacturing processes
• Perform bottom-up “should-cost” calculations based on manufacturing steps and material usage
• Support design-to-cost initiatives during vehicle development phases
• Conduct gap analysis on supplier cost breakdowns (piece price, tooling, ED&D)
• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams globally
• Contribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities across programs
• Provide cost comparisons and insights to support strategic decision-making

WHAT’S NEEDED? 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and component design
• Experience working with drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Background in one or more areas such as manufacturing engineering, process engineering, product engineering, tooling, or supplier engineering
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional and global teams
• Ability to manage multiple components and varying levels of complexity

Preferred experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Chassis / Thermal Systems: stamping, welding, casting, suspension systems, air intake, thermal modules
• Body / Exterior: plastics, injection molding, painting, trims, bumpers, glazing, sealing, lighting
• Interior: seating systems, soft trim, foam, textiles, thermoforming, NVH, door panels, consoles
• Propulsion: engine components, driveline systems, machining, casting, forging, EV components (inverters, e-motors, chargers)

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? 

• Opportunity to break into cost engineering without prior direct experience
• Exposure to full vehicle development lifecycle and global automotive programs
• Work alongside experienced engineering and supplier teams
• Develop highly transferable skills in cost analysis, manufacturing, and product strategy
• Fast-paced and collaborative work environment with high visibility
• Competitive hourly compensation

BENEFITS

• Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Health Savings Account
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Business Travel Insurance
• 401(k), Plus Match
• Weekly Pay

If you are an engineer with a strong manufacturing or product background and are looking to expand your career into a high-impact role, we encourage you to apply today. Join a team where your expertise will directly influence how vehicles are built, optimized, and delivered to market.

ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP 

About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells. ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2023 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 14th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.