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Senior Cost Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Motors

Senior Cost Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

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 ...

General Motors

Senior Cost Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

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 ...

Qualus

Senior Cost Engineer

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site +1

A Senior Cost Engineer provides cost management services, including budgeting, bid management, cost forecasting and reporting, budget management and control, change management, contract ...

Qualus

Senior Cost Engineer

Moncks Corner, SC

A Senior Cost Engineer provides cost management services, including budgeting, bid management, cost forecasting and reporting, budget management and control, change management, contract ...

Zoox

Senior Cost Engineer

Foster City, CA

$187K - $225K/yr

As a Senior Cost Engineer, you will support the Vehicle Program team by taking ownership of the Vehicle BOM cost and investments. You'll partner with Engineering to ensure parts are designed with ...

Bechtel

Sr. Cost Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Senior Cost engineer will provide cost analysis, change management and budget control expertise on large scale Engineering Procurement and Construction Project. Supports on project estimating ...

Bechtel

Sr. Cost Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Senior Cost engineer will provide cost analysis, change management and budget control expertise on large scale Engineering Procurement and Construction Project. Supports on project estimating ...

Zoox

Senior Cost Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$187K - $225K/yr

As a Senior Cost Engineer, you will support the Vehicle Program team by taking ownership of the Vehicle BOM cost and investments. You'll partner with Engineering to ensure parts are designed with ...

Zoox

Senior Cost Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$187K - $225K/yr

As a Senior Cost Engineer, you will support the Vehicle Program team by taking ownership of the Vehicle BOM cost and investments. You'll partner with Engineering to ensure parts are designed with ...

S+B James Construction

Sr. Cost Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team. This role is responsible for supporting the estimating and preconstruction process by developing ...

Mace

Senior Cost Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

$130K/yr

Senior Cost Engineer, Lebanon Mace combines global delivery consultancy experience to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we ...

S+B James Construction

Sr. Cost Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Sr. Cost Engineer to join our Preconstruction team. This role is responsible for supporting the estimating and preconstruction process by developing ...

PC Construction Company

Senior Cost Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$95K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Cost Engineer who will serve as a subject matter expert in job cost and project management financial functions. This role requires deep expertise in operational tools such as ...

PC Construction Company

Senior Cost Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$95K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Cost Engineer who will serve as a subject matter expert in job cost and project management financial functions. This role requires deep expertise in operational tools such as ...

PC Construction Company

Senior Cost Engineer

Palm Coast, FL · On-site

$95K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Cost Engineer who will serve as a subject matter expert in job cost and project management financial functions. This role requires deep expertise in operational tools such as ...

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Senior Cost Engineer information

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$45.5K

$97K

$139.5K

How much do senior cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cost engineer 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 does a senior cost engineer do?

A Senior Cost Engineer is responsible for estimating, monitoring, and controlling project costs to ensure that a project is completed within its approved budget. They analyze project drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare accurate cost estimates and budgets. Additionally, they monitor actual project expenditures, identify variances, and provide recommendations to mitigate cost overruns. Their expertise helps organizations maximize profitability and reduce financial risks throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior cost engineer?

A Senior Cost Engineer should have a solid background in cost estimating, project controls, and financial analysis, usually supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Proficiency with cost management software such as SAP, Primavera, or CostX and certifications like AACE’s CCP are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that set professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate cost forecasting, risk management, and efficient collaboration, which are essential for delivering projects on time and within budget.

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

A Senior Cost Engineer works closely with project managers, engineers, and procurement teams to monitor budgets, forecast costs, and identify potential financial risks throughout a project's duration. Regular meetings and reporting ensure all stakeholders have up-to-date information on budget status and any deviations. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as the Senior Cost Engineer often provides recommendations to optimize costs and align spending with project objectives. This role is pivotal in keeping projects financially on track and requires balancing technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Senior Cost Engineer vs Cost Estimator?

AspectSenior Cost EngineerCost Estimator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; often certifications like AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP)Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; certifications like AACE CCP are common
Work EnvironmentInvolved in project budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis during project executionPrimarily focused on preparing detailed cost estimates during project planning and bidding phases
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in construction, engineering, and infrastructure projects for cost managementCommonly employed in bidding, proposal development, and project planning in similar industries

The Senior Cost Engineer and Cost Estimator roles share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. However, the Senior Cost Engineer typically oversees cost control during project execution, while the Cost Estimator focuses on preparing initial project cost estimates. Both roles are vital in project planning and management within construction and engineering industries.

What cities are hiring for Senior Cost Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Cost Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Cost Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Cost Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Cost Engineer jobs include:

Senior Cost Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Cost Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,048 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Senior Cost Engineer

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 307 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,309 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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