Powder Coating Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed cost estimates for our solutions based on customer RFQs, engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications.
• Prepare formal quote packages including pricing breakdowns, assumptions, and supporting documentation.
• Analyze materials, labor, tooling, overhead, and logistics costs to determine total project cost and margin targets.
• Collaborate with Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and manufacturability improvements.
• Work with the Purchasing team to obtain up-to-date supplier pricing for raw materials, custom components, and outsourced services.
• Track and maintain historical cost data and quoting templates for continuous improvement and benchmarking.
• Participate in design reviews and costing meetings to align estimations with technical feasibility and customer expectations.
• Support change management by evaluating cost impact of engineering changes or customer updates.
• Ensure all quotes comply with internal pricing strategies, customer requirements, and profitability goals.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive pricing and cost information.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in cost estimating, quote preparation, or pricing analysis.
• Experience with 2D and 3D product development solutions helpful, especially SolidWorks
• Exposure to APQP, PPAP, or other automotive quality and program management processes.
• Knowledge of costing software or tools such as aPriori, Costimator, or custom Excel models.
• Strong analytical skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in cost estimating, quote preparation, or pricing analysis, in the manufacturing sector.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, cost modeling tools, and MS Excel (advanced).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as stamping, forming, machining, powder-coating, plating, and final assembly.
• Familiarity with electrical, mechanical, and metallurgical terminology and processes.
• Experience working with Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive suppliers and/or experience working in the Military or Aerospace industries.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

The base pay hiring rate expected for this position is: $64,200 - $96,000.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must frequently do hand motions and repetitive tasks including computer use with typing, must occasionally carry and lift up to 15 pounds to perform various duties, occasionally reach and do overhead reaching, stand for short amounts of time, minimal squatting or bending to perform various duties, and extended sitting for long periods of time at a desk or workstation.

Benefits and Perks

Methode offers US employees Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life & Disability insurance, a wellness program, and time off benefits.

Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance.

Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan which includes a company contribution.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics per the EEO Poster available here . If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@methode.com or call (708) 867-6777 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.