Automotive Cost Estimator

Position Summary

The Cost Estimator is responsible for developing accurate cost models and quotations for automotive components, assemblies, tooling, and manufacturing processes. This role works closely with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Sales to support customer quotations, program launches, and cost reduction initiatives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for automotive components, assemblies, and manufacturing processes.
• Analyze material, labor, tooling, overhead, and capital costs to support customer quotations.
• Prepare piece-price calculations and cost breakdowns for customer submissions.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs to determine manufacturing costs.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to evaluate production methods and cost assumptions.
• Support quoting activities for new business opportunities and engineering changes.
• Maintain estimating databases, cost models, and historical cost information.
• Participate in customer, supplier, and internal cost review meetings.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, Manufacturing, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2-5 years of cost estimating, cost engineering, quoting, or manufacturing cost analysis experience.
• Experience supporting automotive manufacturing environments.
• Experience with plastic injection molding, automotive assemblies, welding, fabrication, tooling, or related manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures including material, labor, overhead, and capital expenditures.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing specifications.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Tier 1 automotive supplier experience.
• Experience supporting customer quoting and program launch activities.
• Knowledge of injection molding processes and assembly operations.
• Experience with cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.

Important Note

This position supports plastic injection molding, assembly, and related manufacturing operations. Candidates whose experience is primarily focused on metal stamping cost estimation may not align with the requirements of this role.