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Cost Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

Cost Analyst

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

The finance coordinator will be 1 out of a 4-person team (Team of 4) comprised of a Buyer, Engineer, Cost Engineer, and Finance Coordinator. In addition to validating ideas and building business ...

Ford Motor Company

Cost Engineering/Analyst

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$74K - $166K/yr

The Cost Engineer/Cost Analyst for this position must have experience in more than one of the following: * BIW Stamping and sheet metal products * Assembly integration and optimization * All forms of ...

Rivian

Manager, Cost Engineering (Electrical)

Plymouth, MI

$116K - $149K/yr

Role Summary The Manager, Cost Engineering, will play a pivotal role within the Rivian Cost Engineering organization, leading a team of Electrical Cost Engineers in Plymouth, MI and Irvine, CA. This ...

Brightwing

Cost Analyst

Detroit, MI

$50 - $65/hr

Experience in operating system software utilized by the Corporation (e.g Maximo, SAP R/3, SRM, BW) Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) certification Proficient in Earned Value ...

Stellantis

Project Cost Manager

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

The Cross Carline and Project Engineering Team is a critical part of the vehicle development with ... The Economics Manager is responsible for managing cost development (cost loops and assessments) for ...

Stellantis

Vehicle Cost Coordinator

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Supporting the Vehicle Cost Manager (Serial Life) in executing PCS/TPC and program economics ... Partnering with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Purchasing, MGA/Plant, S&M, FP&A) to validate ...

Stellantis

Project Cost Manager

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

The Cross Carline and Project Engineering Team is a critical part of the vehicle development with ... The Economics Manager is responsible for managing cost development (cost loops and assessments) for ...

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All JobsCost Engineer JobsCost Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Cost Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$39.7K

$84.6K

$121.6K

How much do cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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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What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Engineer jobs in Michigan?

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For Cost Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cost Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Cost Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Engineer jobs in MI?

For Cost Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Cost & Supplier Integration Engineer

Air Lift Company

Lansing, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Cost & Supplier Integration Engineer

Air Lift, a third-generation family-owned company, was founded in 1949 in Lansing, Michigan. Air Lift supplies the automotive aftermarket with load assist products and performance suspensions for show and track. Our goal is to consistently provide products and services that meet and exceed customers’ requirements and expectations. We do this by recruiting top talent and retaining them through our commitment to professional development and preservation of our culture.


JobSummary

This role will serve as the primary interface between Engineering and Purchasing for value analysis and value engineering initiatives. This role ensures that engineering intent, cost-reduction concepts, and design changes are commercially sound, supplier-feasible, and effectively executed.

Translates engineering ideas into actionable sourcing and supplier strategies, while bringing supplier capabilities, cost drivers, manufacturing realities, and total cost considerations into engineering discussions. The role exists to ensure alignment between design decisions and purchasing strategy, and to drive measurable, sustainable cost improvements.

This role goes beyond traditional sourcing by combining engineering-driven value analysis with deep supplier engagement. The position ensures that products are designed and sourced at the lowest total cost, without sacrificing performance, quality, or supply continuity.


What you'll do:

  • Act as the primary integrator between Engineering, Purchasing, and Suppliers for all VA/VE initiatives.
  • Drive early involvement in product design to ensure cost, manufacturability, and supplier capabilities are embedded upfront, not addressed after design release.
  • Partner with Engineering to challenge designs that introduce unnecessary complexity, over-specification, or cost.
  • Work directly with suppliers and engineering teams to co-develop products and components, ensuring alignment on design intent, manufacturability, and cost targets.
  • Leverage supplier expertise to introduce alternative materials, processes, and design simplifications that reduce cost while maintaining performance.
  • Evaluate all VA/VE initiatives through a total cost of ownership (TCO) lens, including piece price, tooling, capital investment, freight, duties, lead time, risk, inventory, and lifecycle cost.
  • Lead detailed cost breakdown analysis with suppliers to identify, challenge, and eliminate cost drivers at the component and system level.
  • Identify and drive practical, day-to-day cost reduction opportunities through process simplification, cycle time reduction, and elimination of non-value-added activities.
  • Spend time on the shop floor and with suppliers to observe real operations, identify inefficiencies, and streamline workflows that reduce cost without impacting quality or delivery.


What you'll bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field is preferred; however, equivalent practical experience in manufacturing, sourcing, and cost analysis will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.
  • 5+ years of buying or sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and total cost of ownership.
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating supplier pricing beyond piece price.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and supplier quality processes.
  • Experience working with domestic and international suppliers.
  • Exposure to manufacturing processes and materials including metals, rubber, injection molding, machining, and castings.
  • Experience acting as a liaison between Engineering and Supply Chain.
  • Prior involvement in VA/VE or cost-reduction initiatives.
  • Ability to read mechanical blueprints.
  • ISO auditor training/Lean concepts.
  • Knowledge of CE and TUV requirements.
  • Negotiation of long- and short-term contracts.

What we offer:

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits

  • Generous 401(k) with up to 8% company matching

  • A supportive and inclusive company culture that prioritizes work/life balance

  • Professional development to help grow your career

  • Paid time off and paid holidays



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