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Vehicle Cost Engineer

Zobility
Auburn, MI Contractor
POSTED ON 4/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/16/2026

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:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 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: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

Salary : $38 - $43

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