Cost Engineer (Automotive)

Job Description

Job Description

Cost Engineer (Automotive)

Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Schedule: First Shift (flexibility required to support global teams in Europe)
Pay Rate: $43.08/hour

Position Overview

We are seeking Cost Engineers to support a global automotive OEM in Auburn Hills, MI. This role is responsible for developing detailed cost estimates for vehicle components and tooling using an activity-based costing approach .

Cost Engineers will work directly with bills of materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and physical components to understand manufacturing processes and estimate component, production, and investment costs. This position plays a key role in supporting cost targets from early concept through full production.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, purchasing, finance, and global supplier teams to ensure accurate, competitive, and transparent cost structures.

Functional Areas

Candidates will be aligned based on experience across one of the following areas:

• Body (CEB) – France
• Interior (CEI) – Italy
• Chassis & Engine Systems (CEC) – Italy
• Propulsion (P) – France
• Electrical Systems (CES) – North America

Key Responsibilities

• Develop component cost estimates for new vehicle programs, including:
• • Early-phase cost modeling
  • Detailed “should-cost” analysis using bottom-up methodologies
• Support Design-to-Cost (DTC) initiatives by identifying cost-saving opportunities
• Perform gap analysis on supplier quotes, including:
• • Piece price
  • Engineering, Design & Development (ED&D)
  • Tooling costs
• Partner with purchasing teams during supplier negotiations
• Conduct benchmarking and value optimization analysis across programs
• Support serial life cost assessments and continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with global engineering, supplier, and cross-functional teams
• Deliver cost comparison analysis across regions and programs

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Minimum 5+ years of automotive or related industry experience
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to manage high-volume, complex component portfolios
• Proficiency in:
• • Microsoft Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Word
• Ability to work across cross-functional teams and global regions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with activity-based costing and cost modeling structures
• Background in one or more of the following:
• • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Product/Design Engineering
  • Tooling Development
  • Supplier/Component Purchasing
• Prior experience supporting cost reduction or supplier negotiations

Target Candidate Background

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience from:

• OEMs: Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota
• Tier 1 Suppliers: Magna, Bosch, Denso

Ideal candidates may include:

• Manufacturing Engineers with cost exposure
• Design Engineers involved in cost analysis
• Purchasing/Supplier Engineers with strong cost modeling experience

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is:

• Analytical and detail-oriented
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, global environment
• Collaborative with strong stakeholder communication skills
• Adaptable and capable of managing multiple priorities