Cost Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Design Evaluation: Assess product designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency, providing early input to influence design direction.
• Should-Cost Modeling: Develop comprehensive should-cost models (piece cost  investment) using aPriori and other cost-modeling solutions.
• Supplier Support: Assist with RFQ activities and evaluate supplier cost proposals to ensure competitiveness and transparency.
• Change Management: Track and report cost impacts resulting from design changes throughout the development lifecycle.
• Negotiation Support: Provide data-driven cost analysis to support supplier negotiations.
• Value Engineering: Identify and champion VA/VE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Reporting: Maintain and improve cost tracking and reporting tools to provide clear visibility into cost performance.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in cost engineering with strong manufacturing knowledge across multiple processes, including:
• • Injection molding
  • Metal stamping and fabrication
  • Thermoforming
  • Assembly operations
• Hands-on experience developing should-cost models (piece investment).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and reporting tools for data analysis and presentation.
• Familiarity with CAD viewers (CATIA V6 or equivalent) to interpret design data.
• Working knowledge of aPriori cost-modeling software.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and suppliers.

Preferred Background:

• Experience in the automotive or accessories industry.
• Previous contractor/consulting experience in a manufacturing environment.