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Cost Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Cost Engineer information

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$39.7K

$84.6K

$121.6K

How much do cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost engineer in Michigan is $84,586.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $99,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cost Engineer vs Cost Estimator?

AspectCost EngineerCost Estimator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; certifications like AACE International's CCP or CEOften holds a degree in construction management, engineering, or related; may also have certifications like AACE CCP
Work EnvironmentWorks on project cost control, budgeting, and financial analysis during project executionFocuses on preparing cost estimates for project bids and proposals
Industry UsageUsed throughout project lifecycle, especially in engineering and construction projectsPrimarily involved during project planning and bidding phases

While both roles involve cost analysis, a Cost Engineer manages ongoing project costs and controls, whereas a Cost Estimator focuses on initial cost projections for bids. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right career path or job role in the construction and engineering industries.

What degree do you need to be a cost engineer?

A cost engineer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, finance, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of project management, cost estimation, and industry-specific software tools. Some positions may prefer or require professional certifications such as the Certified Cost Professional (CCP).

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cost engineer, and why are they important?

A Cost Engineer requires a solid background in engineering, mathematics, or finance, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with budgeting and cost estimation. Familiarity with cost management software (like Primavera or SAP), project management systems, and industry certifications such as AACE or PMP are typically important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help Cost Engineers collaborate with project teams and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial to ensure project costs are accurately estimated, controlled, and aligned with business objectives.

How does a cost engineer typically collaborate with project managers and other departments during a project's lifecycle?

Cost Engineers work closely with project managers, procurement teams, and engineering staff to ensure project costs remain within budget and financial risks are minimized. They participate in regular project meetings, provide cost forecasts, and analyze potential cost overruns. Their role often involves reviewing vendor quotes, coordinating with schedulers to align budgets and timelines, and preparing detailed cost reports for stakeholders. This cross-functional collaboration is essential to proactively identify issues and support informed decision-making throughout the project.

What does a cost engineer do?

As a cost engineer, you estimate the various costs associated with a project. You can perform your duties in a variety of settings and industries. Many cost engineers work in construction, manufacturing, or other industrial enterprises. In these positions, your responsibilities focus on using technical knowledge to forecast expenses for all phases of the project accurately. You help create a budget that includes time, materials, labor costs, and other factors. These other factors may include things like travel, taxes, and security needs. Cost engineers use specialized software to organize their cost figures and compile information for creating a budget.

What is a cost engineer?

Cost Engineers are professionals who specialize in estimating, managing, and controlling the costs associated with engineering projects. They analyze project plans, materials, labor, and time requirements to develop accurate cost projections and budgets. Cost Engineers play a crucial role in helping organizations optimize resources, minimize expenses, and ensure projects are completed within financial constraints. Their expertise is essential in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.
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Cost Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,586 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Senior Cost Engineer - Cost Analysis & Special Studies

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,279 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
Senior Cost Engineer
The Senior Cost Engineer (CE) is responsible to create, analyze and validate component material costs and targets. The cost engineer working in the PPCO / Product Program Cost Optimization team will be responsible for generating ground-up / detailed material cost estimates that encompass both piece price estimations and production tooling estimations. Collaboration with key internal cross functional peers is essential; the selected candidate will have a working relationship with the product engineering team, the purchasing and supply chain team, the vehicle program team, our global j global partners (including Mexico, South America and South Korea), and to an extent the external component supply base.
This role involves a high level of independent judgment, initiative, creativity, and the management of multiple estimates that focus specifically on identifying accurate cost estimates as well as proposed cost reductions. The Senior Cost Engineer operates with minimal guidance, often solving non-standard, ambiguous cost problems and shaping cost strategies for an ever evolving business (i.e., resiliency and industrialization efforts). The cost engineer will have exposure to the next generation of automotive vehicles and propulsion systems while working with leading edge automotive experts and technologies.
The Senior Cost Engineer is a recognized subject-matter expert who leads complex cross-functional cost initiatives, influences senior stakeholders, and mentors more junior team members.
Key Responsibilities include:
  • The candidate should be able to analyze, organize, and understand large amount of data spanning multiple programs, and translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
  • Comprehensive manufacturing process knowledge is required. An understanding of regional difference in manufacturing processes / assumptions is helpful.
  • Be an active partner with the internal GPSC purchasing team - aid in providing a fair yet competitive component cost for GM, including leading preparation of analytic fact bases for complex negotiations and sourcing decisions.
  • Occasional domestic travel to supplier facilities for enhanced costing collaboration and support of the specific engineering / purchasing team.
  • Support the assigned GM SMT/PMT from a tooling and piece price perspective, with primary focus on the most impactful content and cross-program issues.
  • Lead cross-functional cost forums and working sessions (e.g., DCR/DCTA cost reviews, sourcing preparation, resiliency / RM indexation workstreams), aligning Engineering, GPSC, PD Finance, and Program teams on cost assumptions and recommendations.
  • Own development and continuous improvement of core cost models (CCMs), standards, and analytic tools for designated commodities or architectures, partnering with CKM and PPCO Analytics.
  • Design and champion process and tool improvements (dashboards, templates, trackers) that are adopted by other cost engineers and PCM/SMT analysts, improving consistency and efficiency across PPCO.
  • Mentor and coach less experienced cost engineers and SMTAs/PCMAs, reviewing complex estimates and PIM updates, providing feedback, and supporting their development.

Required Skills:
  • Experience in the financial evaluation of technical concepts and comprehensive understanding of production processes. An understanding of automotive industry trends that are occurring within the field regarding new technologies, autonomous driving, electrification, and additive manufacturing is a plus.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with a high degree of autonomy and complexity, including non-standard, cross-functional cost problems that span multiple programs, SMTs, or regions.
  • Ability to lead change, resolve conflicts, and influence without direct authority, often effecting change in the broader functional area by using data and storytelling to gain alignment with senior internal and external partners.
  • Ability to assimilate a large amount of cost data and clearly condense / communicate information to the larger GM team in an efficient way, tailoring messages for senior audiences and key decision forums.
  • Analytical ability to solve problems that are unique and sometimes complex. Ability to use data driven analysis to identify solutions, establish next steps to assigned projects, and manage open items is crucial, including designing new analytical frameworks and approaches where none exist.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills required to build relationships with global team members and cross functional peers, serving as a go-to resource and coach for others.
  • Demonstrated ability to use all Microsoft Office software and show an expertise in MS Excel. Ability to use / learn GMCO$T (internal GM cost estimating software) and related tools (e.g., VisMockup, FTI). Proven ability to definine standards and best practices.

Required Experience / Educational Qualification:
  • At least 5 years relevant experience in automotive cost estimating, automotive manufacturing, automotive product design / engineering, or automotive purchasing, with a track record of leading complex, cross-functional cost initiatives or projects.
  • Demonstrated leader in driving "cost focused" cross-functional discussions with peers and at a higher level.
  • A Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related / relevant field of study or substantial cost estimating experience.
  • A Graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA), Technical Management, or Engineering is a plus.

Preferred Skills - Experience with any of the following:
  • Development of supplier component quotes to OEM's
  • Manufacturing and or launch experience in an automotive setting (OEM, tier 1 or tier 2 environment).
  • A broad knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and principles, including but not limited to plastic / injection molding, high pressure / low pressure die casting, stamping, electronics, subcomponent assembly, and large module system assembly. An understanding of expected manufacturing cost factors such as labor, burden, and material as well as commercial items such as SG&A and profit is a plus.
  • Experience defining or improving cost models, analytics, or processes that were adopted by multiple teams or programs.
  • Experience mentoring or coaching other analysts or engineers on cost, tools, or processes.

Location: Hybrid. This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the - Global HQ Warren Mi three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business]
Relocation: This role is NOT eligible for relocation benefits
GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

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