Principal Mechanical Development Engineer

About the role

To achieve Honda's business targets, it is critically important to determine whether a given part/system design is cost competitive and a reasonable value for the money. The Cost Planning Engineer deeply understands the Design Category's cost situation, identifies concerns with cost accuracy or efficiency, and suggests options for cost reduction and optimization. This position requires sufficient technical background to understand cost drivers and judge the reasonableness of cost/investment in a given part or system.

Key Accountabilities

• Expertise: Generate accurate cost estimates from part characteristics and manufacturing processes; consult with Design, Purchasing, and Supplier teams to understand technology and purchasing strategies; propose design cost optimization using experience, logic, and comparative analysis; identify consolidation and bundling opportunities to improve sourcing cost structure.
• Verification: Validate cost targets by examining logic and assumptions; raise awareness if targets cannot be logically validated and prepare alternative solutions with justification; develop reasonable paths to achieve part-by-part targets and verify design maturation; propose creative solutions to balance overall unit costs when targets cannot be met.
• Correlation activity: Lead cost discussions at layout checks, drawing checks, and correlation events; provide leadership and guidance; summarize results and report at Group Maru-Q events.
• Department Verification: Attend and support discussions for parts cost and investment.
• R-themes support: Provide business viewpoints for cost-related research themes; consult with procurement to review quotes for accuracy and ensure business benefit.
• Perform: Other related duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's level academic degree in a STEM field.
• Experience: At least 8 or more years of experience combining product development and design team leadership; technical expertise in part materials and manufacturing processes.
• Skills: Ability to determine if a design is optimized for cost/investment, especially in chassis and testing (e.g., test validation, risk assessment, design change, validation requirements); knowledge of basic use of CATIA, Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint for analysis, reporting, and presentation; ability to work well in a team or independently in a fast-paced environment; automotive industry experience is an asset.

Workstyle

This is an onsite job. One remote workday a week may be possible with prior departmental approval.

Total Rewards

• Competitive Base Salary (based on geographic location, work experience, and other variables)
• Paid Overtime
• Regional Bonus (when applicable)
• Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and shutdown
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401K Plan with company match and additional contribution
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)
• Career Growth Advancement Opportunities
• Career Mobility
• Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
• Training and Development programs
• Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
• Lifestyle Account
• Childcare Reimbursement Account
• Elder Care Support
• Wellbeing Program
• Community Service and Engagement Programs
• Product Programs