Vehicle Cost Engineer (Body/Interior/Chassis/Electrical/Powertrain)

Location: Auburn Hills, MI

Position: Long Term Contract

Title: 304-1 - Vehicle Cost Engineer (Body/Interior/Chassis/Electrical/Powertrain)

Job Description:

• The Cost Engineer role develops detailed cost estimates for components and tooling using an activity‑based costing approach.
• This role works directly with bills of material, drawings, and physical samples to understand how parts are made and to estimate the associated component, manufacturing, and investment costs.
• In this position, you will use established Client methods and processes to analyze costs, provide guidance to internal teams, and support cost convergence activities.
• You will collaborate with global engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams to ensure competitive and transparent cost structures from early concept through serial production.
• Multiple roles are being fulfilled within this job posting- for all component scopes within the vehicle structure (Body, Interior, Chassis, Engine Adaptation, Electrical Components and Systems, Powertrain).
• Position fulfillment to utilize applicant background and experience as paired to internal role needs. Organization Success in this role requires curiosity, agility, and a collaborative mindset within a fast‑paced, global environment.

Responsibilities:

• Develop component cost estimates for new programs, including:
• Early‑phase cost engineering estimates
• Detailed “should‑cost” calculations using a bottom‑up manufacturing approach
• Provide idea generation and cost support during vehicle development to help achieve cost targets (Design‑to‑Cost)
• Support purchasing during supplier negotiations by completing gap analyses of supplier cost breakdowns (Piece Price, ED&D, Tooling)
• Contribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities, including serial life should‑cost assessments
• Collaborate closely with internal global team, Engineering, Buyers, and Suppliers
• Provide global cost comparison analysis in partnership with the broader Cost Engineering community

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the automotive industry or related technical field
• Strong English verbal and written skills to support role job key deliverables
• Ability to manage a high volume of parts and varying levels of complexity
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
• Ability to work effectively across multiple levels of the organization, functions, and global regions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with cost model structures and activity‑based costing for component development
• Experience in within one or multiple areas: Design Responsible Engineering, Manufacturing, Component Tool development, or Component Purchasing

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related technical field.