Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer

Location: The Woodlands, Tx

Description

The Cost Engineer supports manufacturing process control and cost efficiency by reviewing current production methods and using time studies and production data to improve existing processes or develop new ones. This role works closely with manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and quality to identify inefficiencies, implement practical improvements, and measure their results. Estimating and bid preparation are not primary responsibilities; any estimating support is limited and secondary to manufacturing process improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review current manufacturing workflows and production methods to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve cost effectiveness.
• Conduct time studies and analyze cycle times, labor hours, material usage, and production data to establish baselines and identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop or improve manufacturing processes, work methods, and operating procedures in collaboration with manufacturing, engineering, and quality.
• Recommend and implement improvements that reduce production time, waste, rework, and manufacturing costs while maintaining safety and product quality.
• Evaluate manufacturing cost drivers, including labor, materials, tooling, and equipment utilization, and recommend practical cost reduction measures.
• Develop plans for process improvement initiatives, coordinate activities across relevant teams, and track implementation and results.
• Read manufacturing drawings, blueprints, and technical documents to understand production requirements and support process improvements.
• Monitor production performance against established standards and report variances, underlying causes, and recommended corrective actions.
• Support changes to production methods, tooling, or layouts and document updated processes and work instructions.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers, as needed, to evaluate materials, tooling, and production methods that affect manufacturing efficiency and cost.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or equivalent relevant experience. Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Entry to mid level role; 3–5 years of relevant experience is preferred. Candidates with Industrial Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer titles are encouraged to apply if their experience aligns with the responsibilities.
• Experience conducting time studies, analyzing manufacturing data, or improving production processes.
• Experience with gas and liquids production equipment and facilities is preferred, including oil and gas separators, dehydration equipment, glycol regeneration, and familiarity with ASME pressure vessel requirements.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to analyze production data, identify cost drivers, and translate findings into practical manufacturing improvements.
• Understanding of time studies, cycle times, labor utilization, and manufacturing workflows.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Ability to use spreadsheets and data analysis tools to track production performance and quantify improvement results.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work across manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure and contribute to improved work processes.

Additional Job Information:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.