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Product Cost Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drive resolution of cost-related tradeoffs, aligning Engineering, Purchasing, and Product Strategy ... when cost, performance, and feature content compete * Improve early-stage ROI confidence for cost ...

Partner with Product Engineering and Manufacturing to influence design decisions through Design-to-Cost (DTC) initiatives. * Support value engineering and process optimization efforts focused on ...

Manager, Cost Engineering (Electrical)

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$116K - $149K/yr

Role Summary The Manager, Cost Engineering, will play a pivotal role within the Rivian Cost ... Collect details and compile data to estimate all production costs considering raw materials, labor ...

Manager, Cost Engineering (Electrical)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Role Summary The Manager, Cost Engineering, will play a pivotal role within the Rivian Cost ... Collect details and compile data to estimate all production costs considering raw materials, labor ...

Drive resolution of cost-related tradeoffs, aligning Engineering, Purchasing, and Product Strategy ... when cost, performance, and feature content compete * Improve early-stage ROI confidence for cost ...

Drive resolution of cost-related tradeoffs, aligning Engineering, Purchasing, and Product Strategy ... when cost, performance, and feature content compete * Improve early-stage ROI confidence for cost ...

Partner with Product Engineering and Manufacturing to influence design decisions through Design-to-Cost (DTC) initiatives. * Support value engineering and process optimization efforts focused on ...

Drive resolution of cost-related tradeoffs, aligning Engineering, Purchasing, and Product Strategy ... when cost, performance, and feature content compete * Improve early-stage ROI confidence for cost ...

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Showing results 1-20

Product Cost Engineering information

See salary details

$45.5K

$97K

$139.5K

How much do product cost engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for product cost engineering in the United States is $97,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Cost Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Cost Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, a background in engineering or finance, and expertise in cost estimation and manufacturing processes. Familiarity with cost modeling software, ERP systems, and proficiency in tools like Excel or SAP are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and present cost-saving recommendations. These skills are crucial for ensuring products are developed within budget constraints while maintaining quality and competitiveness in the market.

What is Product Cost Engineering?

Product Cost Engineering is a specialized field focused on analyzing, estimating, and optimizing the costs associated with designing, manufacturing, and delivering a product. Professionals in this role work closely with engineering, procurement, and finance teams to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or performance. Their work helps companies develop competitive products by balancing cost targets with technical requirements throughout a product's lifecycle.

How does a Product Cost Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

Product Cost Engineers work closely with design, engineering, procurement, and manufacturing teams to ensure cost targets are met throughout the product lifecycle. They provide cost estimates during early design phases, suggest cost-saving alternatives, and analyze supplier quotes to support sourcing decisions. Regular meetings and open communication channels are essential, as Product Cost Engineers often mediate between technical and financial stakeholders to balance product quality, manufacturability, and budget constraints.

What is the difference between Product Cost Engineering vs Cost Estimator?

AspectProduct Cost EngineeringCost Estimator
Primary FocusAnalyzing and controlling product costs throughout development and productionEstimating costs for projects or products before production begins
Required SkillsCost analysis, engineering knowledge, manufacturing processesCost calculation, data analysis, project scope understanding
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, engineering, product developmentProject planning, bidding, proposal development
CertificationsCost Engineering certifications (e.g., AACE), engineering backgroundCost Estimation certifications, analytical skills

Product Cost Engineering focuses on managing and optimizing costs during product development and manufacturing, while Cost Estimators primarily prepare cost projections before project initiation. Both roles require analytical skills and understanding of costs but serve different stages of the product lifecycle.

More about Product Cost Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Product Cost Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Product Cost Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Product Cost Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Product Cost Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Product Cost Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,048 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
Product Cost Engineer, Meta Reality Labs Product Operations

Product Cost Engineer, Meta Reality Labs Product Operations

Meta

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$168K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Be part of building new, innovative hardware that radically redefines the way people work, play, and connect! As a Product Cost Engineer at Meta Reality Labs, you will manage all aspects of the financial health of your product from early ideation and design stages all the way through the end of life of the product. You will team up cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Product Management, Sourcing, Finance and Contract Manufacturing teams to drive the product budget and supply chain continuity. You'll influence product architecture by supporting the cross-functional teams' decision making through trade-off analysis. In collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders, you will establish and refine product cost targets from early development stages.
Responsibilities
Support cross functional teams in active reporting and management of Total Cost per Unit including Materials, Capital Expenditures, Manufacturing Value Add (MVA), Warranty, Freight and others
• Develop cost models to support cost and product category boundary decisions
• Use cost models to drive supply chain and scalability strategies
• Use your technical expertise to drive engineering and the supply chain team to meet program cost targets at a product and commodity level for your project
• Engage Hardware teams at a technical level to identify and drive cost reduction opportunities
• Track program actual costs versus targets to identify deltas and come up with corrective actions to bring the costs back on track
• Outline, report and track all risks & opportunities related to product cost and drive them to closure
• Lead cross-functional cost reviews to report actual versus target costs and risks and opportunities for your program
• Actively participate in cross functional reviews to understand cost implications of operational, engineering and/or process changes
• Work with both Sourcing and Engineering to align on Supplier Plan of Record (SPOR) to ensure low cost and stable supply
• Ensure that best practices for cost management are shared across different teams; help create scalable processes documenting some of the best practices in the organization
Minimum Qualifications
• BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing & Operations Engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in product cost management roles in hardware technology products
• Knowledge of Operations and Supply Chain with demonstrated effective communication skills
• Experience adjusting to different communication styles and balancing non-cost variables
• Experience applying analytical and problem-solving methods to cost or supply chain challenges, and communicating findings to cross-functional stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
• 8+ years of experience in product cost management roles in hardware technology products
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Background in Finance, Sourcing, or Engineering
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Master's degree, MBA
About Meta
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today-beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.

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