Cost Engineer

Position: Cost Engineer

Sector: Interior & Exterior Systems

Location: Troy, Michigan USA

*Applicants MUST have proof of immediate, on-going and valid eligibility to work full time in the United States*

About the company

My client is an innovative American automotive manufacturer focused on redefining affordable electric mobility. They are developing a new generation of purpose-built electric vehicles with an emphasis on simplicity, modular design, and customer customisation.

They are looking for a Cost Engineer to join their expanding team on a Contract basis. The role will be based in Troy, Michigan.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Support daily / weekly should cost model updates for Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Studio teams.
• Help and prioritize the should cost model targets for Supply Chain team.
• Run high level Cost Model estimating using Apriori software and other costing methods to support fast souring targets.
• Build Core team to support all major components.
• Cost target setting for all major components in vehicle.
• Work with engineering to review CAD models to see cost-saving ideas before sourcing them to suppliers.
• Help with supplier negotiations and cost reviews
• Teach and mentor team members on Apriori platforms
• Interview and hire cost team members
• Build up team to support full EBOM
• Check CAD files for DFM, and feasibility, best materials for cost and performance
• Help Finance set targets in project X to achieve EBOM cost goals.

Core Responsibilities:

• The Cost Engineering support OEM position will be the Finance / Supply Chain business partner to the development teams for everything Bill of Material cost related - from tracking and reporting the fluctuations, to do should-cost analysis, business cases and material cost reduction.
• You will be responsible for supporting, measuring and reporting the bill of materials for the vehicle programs to help management understand costs and targets inside and out, and to meet the Clients' margin goals.
• The Cost Engineer position will be the Finance / Supply Chain business partner is responsible to create, analyse and validate component material costs and targets.
• The cost estimator will be responsible for generating ground-up / and detailed material cost estimates that encompass both piece price and tooling estimations.
• Collaboration with key internal cross functional teams is essential will have a working relationship with the product engineering team, the purchasing and supply chain team, the vehicle program team, the Clients' global partners, and to the external component supply base.
• This role involves a support level of independence, judgment, initiative, creativity, and the management of multiple estimates that focus specially on identifying accurate cost estimates as well as proposed cost reductions.
• The cost estimator will have exposure and work with the next generation of leading-edge automotive experts and technologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field of study (e.g. business, finance, engineering); MBA and/or master's degree in a relevant field a plus
• Cost Engineering Software expertise
• CAD expertise with all major systems
• Tooling expertise with plastics, metal, castings, sheet metal, HV wiring, Battery packs, etc.
• Minimum of 1-3+ years of experience with an OEM and/or other relevant corporation; experience with a multinational organization preferred.
• Prior working experience in product costing, product development finance and cost reduction efforts are required.
• Exceptional excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong work ethic, professionalism and flexibility; must possess the ability to adapt to a growing & evolving environment and a dynamic industry.
• Background in automotive and/or technology industries a must
• Strong negotiation skills a plus
• Some travel may be required.
• Manufacturing and launch experience in an automotive setting. (OEM, Tier 1, or Tier 2 environment)
• An in-depth understanding of expected manufacturing technical cost factors such as material, labour, burden (shared and dedicated) along with associated commercial factors such as SG&P, logistics and capital recovery methodologies.

Work Authorization Requirement:

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.
• Our client is unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Why work through Contechs?

Contechs is a strategic partner to the automotive industry, providing innovative design and engineering services to global OEMs, from concept to production.


We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Employment is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time.

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us if you need assistance in the application process

How to Apply

If you're interested in applying for this position, submit your application and one of our recruiters will be in touch.

If you know anyone that is suitable for the role, please visit the below page where we offer up to $750 referral fee: