Vehicle Cost Engineer (Propulsion)

Vehicle Cost Engineer (Propulsion) – Auburn Hills, MI

Location: Auburn Hills, MI (On-Site)
Duration: 12-Month Contract (Potential Extension)
Pay Rate: $43.08/hour

About the Opportunity

Our client, Stellantis, is seeking an experienced Vehicle Cost Engineer (VCE) to join the Propulsion Department at their Auburn Hills Headquarters. This role focuses on developing detailed component and tooling cost estimates, supporting supplier negotiations, and driving cost optimization initiatives throughout the vehicle development process.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical understanding of automotive components, manufacturing processes, and cost analysis methodologies. Experience in engineering, manufacturing, tooling, purchasing, or cost engineering environments is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed component cost estimates for new vehicle programs.
• Create early-phase cost engineering assessments and bottom-up "should-cost" analyses.
• Analyze bills of material (BOMs), engineering drawings, specifications, and physical samples.
• Support Design-to-Cost initiatives by identifying cost reduction opportunities during vehicle development.
• Assist Purchasing teams during supplier negotiations through cost breakdown and gap analysis.
• Conduct benchmarking and value optimization studies.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, and Supplier teams globally.
• Provide global cost comparison and cost convergence analysis.
• Utilize established Stellantis cost engineering methodologies and tools.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive engineering, manufacturing, tooling, purchasing, cost engineering, or related technical fields.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and assembly methods.
• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing environment (automotive preferred).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and complex component analyses simultaneously.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with global teams.

Preferred Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

Driveline

• Axles
• Transfer Cases
• Assembly Operations
• Casting
• Machining
• Forging
• Halfshafts
• Rear Drive Units
• Front Drive Units

Electromechanics

• Electric Pumps
• Engine Ignition Systems
• Throttle Bodies
• General Electromechanical Components

High Voltage Electronics

• Electric Drive Modules
• DC-DC Converters
• Chargers
• Inverters

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

• Engine Blocks
• Cylinder Heads
• Oil Pans
• Casting Processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Cost modeling and activity-based costing experience.
• Design Responsible Engineering experience.
• Manufacturing Engineering experience.
• Component Tooling Development experience.
• Component Purchasing experience.
• Prior formal cost engineering experience.

Work Environment

• Full-time onsite at Auburn Hills Headquarters.
• Standard day shift schedule.
• Limited travel required (approximately 5–10%)