Costing Engineer

About the role

This role is an Individual Contributor at the P4 level, with 8+ years of experience. Located in Ventura, CA, this position is hybrid.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Coats GSD and build clear standards that ensure costing data is accurate, repeatable, and transparent across internal systems and our supplier base.
• Benchmark and develop a deep understanding of labor rate structures by product category, geography, and suppliers to ensure fair and accurate costing and maintain Factory Labor Rate database.
• Establish and implement consistent costing standards across SMV, fabric and trim usage, yields, and labor rates, overhead, wastage across the sourcing base.
• Develop clear, detailed operation breakdowns for styles and prototypes using the GSD software and establish accurate and reliable SMVs calculations.
• Partner closely with Product Development and Design on prototype costing, early feasibility assessments, and engineering-to-cost opportunities that protect quality and enable cost-effective, scalable manufacturing solutions.
• Analyze cost sheets at key GTM milestones and provide fact-based recommendations and margin improvement plans for the season.
• Serve as a trusted costing resource to Sourcing, Production, and Product Development teams to validate cost components and support vendor negotiations.
• Support factory negotiations and cost-alignment discussions that strengthen long-term partnerships while achieving fair, responsible, and competitive pricing outcomes.
• Educate and align cross-functional partners on fact-based costing principles through working sessions, workshops, and presentations.
• Travel to supplier facilities to support cost validations, training, benchmarking, and regular calibrations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field.
• Certificate of General Sewing Data (GSD) and relevant knowledge in SAM (Standard Allowed Minutes) / SMV (Standard Minute Value) analysis.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing and garment costing.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Hands-on experience with Gerber, Lectra, and cutting processes (a plus).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PLM systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly define problems and articulate solutions.
• Comfortable working in a team-based environment with flexibility across priorities.
• Working knowledge of the Company’s products and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Strategic: Able to assess the big picture, prioritize effectively, and drive meaningful outcomes.
• Action-Oriented: Proactive, accountable, and committed to follow-through.
• Adaptable: Comfortable navigating change and evolving priorities.
• Inclusive: A collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives.
• Integrity-Driven: Operates with honesty, accountability, and a commitment to quality and company values.
• Passionate: About sourcing, production, and Patagonia’s environmental mission.

Skills

• Technical expertise in manufacturing and garment costing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with cost modeling and analysis tools.
• Knowledge of SMV and labor rate structures.

Benefits

At Patagonia, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment.

Pay

Hiring range: $135,000 - $155,000 USD Annual

Schedule

This position is Hybrid, with a standard schedule of Tuesday - Thursday on-site and remote work on other days. Occasional additional office visits may be required for team events or critical meetings.