Vehicle Cost Engineer - Components

Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Job Type: Contract to hire

About the role

We are seeking multiple Vehicle Cost Engineers to support advanced automotive programs across various vehicle systems, including chassis, body, interior, and propulsion. In this role, you will analyze how vehicle components are designed and manufactured to develop accurate cost estimates using structured methodologies. This position is ideal for engineers with strong manufacturing or product knowledge who want to expand into cost engineering. You will play a key role in supporting cost targets, supplier strategy, and design decisions from early concept through production—working cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for vehicle components and tooling using activity-based costing methods
• Analyze Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and physical parts to understand manufacturing processes
• Perform bottom-up “should-cost” calculations based on manufacturing steps and material usage
• Support design-to-cost initiatives during vehicle development phases
• Conduct gap analysis on supplier cost breakdowns (piece price, tooling, ED&D)
• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams globally
• Contribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities across programs
• Provide cost comparisons and insights to support strategic decision-making

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and component design
• Experience working with drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Background in one or more areas such as manufacturing engineering, process engineering, product engineering, tooling, or supplier engineering
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional and global teams
• Ability to manage multiple components and varying levels of complexity

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Chassis / Thermal Systems: stamping, welding, casting, suspension systems, air intake, thermal modules
• Body / Exterior: plastics, injection molding, painting, trims, bumpers, glazing, sealing, lighting
• Interior: seating systems, soft trim, foam, textiles, thermoforming, NVH, door panels, consoles
• Propulsion: engine components, driveline systems, machining, casting, forging, EV components (inverters, e-motors, chargers)

Benefits

• Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Health Savings Account
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Business Travel Insurance
• 401(k), Plus Match
• Weekly Pay

Pay

$43.08/hour

What’s in it for you

• Opportunity to break into cost engineering without prior direct experience
• Exposure to full vehicle development lifecycle and global automotive programs
• Work alongside experienced engineering and supplier teams
• Develop highly transferable skills in cost analysis, manufacturing, and product strategy
• Fast-paced and collaborative work environment with high visibility
• Competitive hourly compensation