Product Cost Specialist

About the role

We are seeking a self-driven Product Cost Specialist to support Chefman and CHEF iQ new product lines by developing accurate should-cost models throughout the product development process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate should-cost models that reflect the latest product definition, updating at each prototype build milestone
• Track the live Bill of Materials (BOM) cost vs. target cost as the engineering team iterates on design, flagging risks and opportunities in real time
• Review supplier-submitted CBOMs for accuracy and alignment with Chefman cost targets
• Generate a critical components list and work with supply chain to obtain competitive quotes
• Coordinate product details to generate ballpark cost estimates during the advanced development phase
• Deliver clear cost summary reports and presentations to cross-functional teams, highlighting where cost is concentrated and where savings opportunities exist
• Negotiate piece-part pricing, assembly costs, scrap allowances, and factory margins directly with overseas manufacturing partners
• Offer design-for-cost suggestions to product and engineering teams to drive lowest possible landed cost without compromising quality or consumer value
• Work with product teams to conduct teardowns of competitive products to analyze materials, components, assembly methods, and manufacturing processes
• Track tooling budgets across the product portfolio, ensuring spend is aligned with approved targets
• Negotiate tooling modification costs as design changes arise during development
• Manage tooling amortization schedules in coordination with finance and supply chain teams
• Draft, negotiate, and execute MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) and PAs (Price Agreements) with external factory partners
• Ensure contractual alignment with internal stakeholders including engineering, supply chain, finance, and legal
• Maintain accurate records of all pricing agreements and contractual commitments across the supplier base
• Prepare weekly project cost updates and participate in regular calls with China-based factory and cost teams
• Participate in product reviews, design hacks, and NPI milestone meetings
• Support getting complete product definitions created in collaboration with engineering and program management teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
• 3–5 years of experience in cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, or product development within consumer products or high-volume production environments
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining should-cost models with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in Power BI for cost reporting, data visualization, and dashboard development
• Hands-on experience negotiating with Asia-based contract manufacturers on pricing, tooling, and contractual terms
• Knowledge of plastics, injection molding, tooling, electronics, assembly methods, decoration processes, and packaging
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills; experience building cost models and BOM trackers
• Intermediate proficiency in SolidWorks or CREO
• Familiarity with MOU and Price Agreement drafting and execution
• Strong presentation skills — able to deliver clear cost summaries and actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders
• Experience with IoT or connected consumer product manufacturing is a plus
• Ability to travel internationally to China-based manufacturing facilities as needed (approximately 20–30%)

What We Offer

The opportunity to work on innovative connected kitchen appliances at a fast-growing consumer brand
A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your work directly impacts product margins and commercial success
Competitive compensation, benefits, and the chance to grow with a company redefining the kitchen experience
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $87,000 - $100,000 USD