Advanced Cost Engineering & Value Optimization Lead

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Design to Cost and Value Engineering activities from early Advanced phases through Tooling KickOff (TKOM).
• Identify high-impact commodities, systems, and architectures for Value Engineering loops (Loop 1 & Loop 2), focusing on functional optimization, design simplification, and material/process efficiency.
• Facilitate cross-functional Design to Cost workshops that generate actionable design changes tied to function, performance, manufacturability, and supplier capability.
• Drive Value Analysis activities, challenging over-design, redundancy, and cost drivers while preserving customer-relevant features.
• Partner with Advanced Project Engineering, Product Development Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Suppliers to translate Value Engineering proposals into feasible design solutions.
• Support design convergence by ensuring cost-driven trade studies and alternatives are evaluated early and documented for leadership decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Project Economics Manager to monitor Design to Cost savings and track Value Engineering implementation.
• Provide cost-based insights for Chief Vehicle Engineer arbitration and major design decisions.
• Support project convergence on vehicle TPC and vendor tooling investments.
• Bring structured cost and value insights to stakeholders to provoke early action and informed design trade-offs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related education field (Degrees in Accounting, Finance, or Business considered with strong engineering exposure)
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in the automotive industry, advanced manufacturing or related industries
• Strong understanding of automotive systems, vehicle architectures, and production processes
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional, technical discussions and influence design outcomes
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Word

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in Design to Cost, Value Engineering, and Value Analysis
• Experience linking functional requirements to cost drivers
• Background in vehicle cost, product engineering, or manufacturing engineering
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and cost data into clear recommendations for leadership

Our Benefits

• Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage
• Family Building Benefit
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Competitive Retirement Savings Plans
• Income Protection & Insurance Options
• Company Vehicle Lease Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community