Vehicle Cost Engineer (Interior Seat Department)

Job Description

Job Description

Cost Engineer - Great opportunity to get in with a big time company!

Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Schedule: First shift (may require some schedule flexibility to support global teams)
Pay Rate: $43.08/hour

We are actively hiring 6 Cost Engineers to support multiple functional areas within a global automotive environment. These roles will focus on developing detailed cost estimates for components and tooling using an activity-based costing approach.

This is a high-impact opportunity to work cross-functionally with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams in a fast-paced, global setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop component cost estimates for new vehicle programs
• Perform early-phase cost analysis and detailed “should-cost” modeling
• Analyze bills of material, drawings, and physical components to determine manufacturing costs
• Support design-to-cost initiatives during product development
• Partner with purchasing teams to support supplier negotiations through cost breakdown and gap analysis
• Conduct benchmarking and value optimization activities
• Collaborate with global engineering, finance, and supplier teams
• Provide cost comparisons across regions and programs

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive or a related industry
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage a high volume of parts with varying complexity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability to work cross-functionally across multiple teams and global regions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with activity-based costing and cost modeling structures
• Background in one or more of the following:
• Design Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Tooling / Component Development
• Purchasing / Supplier Management

What We’re Looking For

• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Collaborative approach with global teams
• Curiosity and drive to understand how components are designed and manufactured

Additional Notes

• Multiple hires will be made across different functional teams
• Candidates should be clearly labeled for the specific group they align with when submitted
• These roles support global teams, so some schedule flexibility may be required

Please apply now - Jared Petrill