ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vehicle Cost Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TRG

Vehicle Cost Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Early-phase cost engineering estimates * Detailed "should-cost" calculations using a bottom-up manufacturing approach * Provide idea generation and cost support during vehicle development to help ...

TRG

Vehicle Cost Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Early-phase cost engineering estimates * Detailed "should-cost" calculations using a bottom-up manufacturing approach * Provide idea generation and cost support during vehicle development to help ...

Brightwing

Cost Analyst

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

What This Role Will Prepare You For • Future roles in Purchasing Finance/Ops, Value Optimization/Engineering, Product Cost Standard (PCS), Total production cost (TPC), Vehicle Cost Coordination ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Cost Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Provide Engineering with support during the vehicle development phase for target achievement (Design to Cost) * Release cost engineering estimate by reference or through bottom-up analysis during ...

Mec Us

Cost Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

MeC offers his consultancy services in Cost Engineering to determinate the cycle times and costs of ... tooling for all vehicles; 2) cost evaluating and collaborating product change notices; 3) ...

Mec Us

Cost Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

MeC offers his consultancy services in Cost Engineering to determinate the cycle times and costs of ... tooling for all vehicles; 2) cost evaluating and collaborating product change notices; 3) ...

Bechtel

Cost Engineer

Clay, NY · On-site

... vehicle markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility ... Your detailed analysis will provide innovative solutions to cost engineering challenges. #LI-BH1 ...

JB Poindexter & Co., Inc.

Cost Engineer

Sturgis, MI · On-site

... over 7,500 vehicles annually. Morgan Olson's portfolio of customers serves a multitude of ... Job Title: Cost Engineer Support design engineering product cost management activities through ...

jbpco

Cost Engineer

Sturgis, MI

... over 7,500 vehicles annually. Morgan Olson's portfolio of customers serves a multitude of ... Job Title: Cost Engineer Support design engineering product cost management activities through ...

Morgan Olson

Cost Engineer

Sturgis, MI · On-site

... over 7,500 vehicles annually. Morgan Olson's portfolio of customers serves a multitude of ... Job Title: Cost Engineer Support design engineering product cost management activities through ...

Bechtel

Cost Engineer

Houston, TX

... vehicle markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility ... Your detailed analysis will provide innovative solutions to cost engineering challenges. #LI-BH1 ...

Houston Dose

Cost Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... vehicle markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility ... Your detailed analysis will provide innovative solutions to cost engineering challenges. #LI-BH1 ...

Bechtel

Cost Engineer

Clay, NY · On-site

... vehicle markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility ... Your detailed analysis will provide innovative solutions to cost engineering challenges. #LI-BH1 ...

Bechtel

Cost Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... vehicle markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility ... Your detailed analysis will provide innovative solutions to cost engineering challenges. #LI-BH1 ...

Bechtel

Cost Engineer

Clay, NY · On-site

... vehicle markets. M&T strives to exceed our customer objectives through utilizing our agility ... In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the cost engineering and cost analysis/control ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomotive JobsAuto Manufacturing JobsAutomotive Engineer JobsVehicle Cost Engineer Jobs

Vehicle Cost Engineer information

See salary details

$5

$41

How much do vehicle cost engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle cost engineer in the United States is $41.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.35 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vehicle cost engineer do?

A Vehicle Cost Engineer is responsible for analyzing and estimating the costs involved in designing, manufacturing, and assembling vehicles. They work closely with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and finance teams to ensure that vehicles are produced within budget while meeting quality and performance standards. Their duties include evaluating material costs, labor expenses, and supplier quotes, as well as identifying cost-saving opportunities throughout the development process. Vehicle Cost Engineers play a crucial role in maximizing profitability and maintaining competitiveness in the automotive industry.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Cost Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with cost estimation methods. Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) software, cost modeling tools, and advanced Excel functions is typically required, along with knowledge of manufacturing processes. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and suppliers. These skills are crucial for accurately forecasting costs, optimizing budgets, and ensuring the financial viability of vehicle development projects.

How does a vehicle cost engineer typically collaborate with design and manufacturing teams during a vehicle development project?

Vehicle Cost Engineers play a critical role in cross-functional teams, working closely with both design and manufacturing departments throughout the vehicle development process. They provide cost estimates and analyses for different design options, helping to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality. Regular meetings and open communication with engineers, suppliers, and procurement specialists are essential, as Vehicle Cost Engineers must ensure that proposed changes align with budgetary constraints and project timelines. This collaborative environment allows them to influence key decisions and contribute to the overall financial success of new vehicle launches.

What is the difference between Vehicle Cost Engineer vs Vehicle Design Engineer?

AspectVehicle Cost EngineerVehicle Design Engineer
Primary FocusCost analysis, budgeting, and cost reduction strategies for vehiclesDesign, development, and engineering of vehicle components and systems
Required SkillsCost estimation, financial analysis, supply chain knowledgeCAD design, engineering principles, innovation in vehicle design
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, cost departments, supplier interactionsDesign studios, engineering labs, R&D departments
Common CertificationsNone specific, often requires engineering degreeEngineering degrees, CAD certifications

The Vehicle Cost Engineer primarily focuses on managing and reducing vehicle production costs through analysis and budgeting, while the Vehicle Design Engineer concentrates on creating and developing vehicle designs. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

More about Vehicle Cost Engineer jobs

What states have the most Vehicle Cost Engineer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Cost Engineer jobs?

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

Vehicle Cost Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Cost Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,134 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Vehicle Cost Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

TRG
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about TRGexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Cost Engineer role develops detailed cost estimates for components and tooling using an activity-based costing approach. This role works directly with bills of material, drawings and physical samples to understand how parts are made and to estimate the associated component, manufacturing and investment costs.
In this position, you will use established methods and processes to analyze costs, provide guidance to internal teams and support cost convergence activities. You will collaborate with global engineering, purchasing, finance and supplier teams to ensure competitive and transparent cost structures from early concept through serial production.
Multiple roles are being fulfilled within this job posting for all component scopes within the vehicle structure (Body, Interior, Chassis, Engine Adaptation, Electrical Components and Systems, Powertrain). Position fulfillment to utilize applicant background and experience as paired to internal role needs. Organization Success in this role requires curiosity, agility and a collaborative mindset within a fast-paced, global environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop component cost estimates for new programs, including:
  • Early-phase cost engineering estimates
  • Detailed "should-cost" calculations using a bottom-up manufacturing approach
  • Provide idea generation and cost support during vehicle development to help achieve cost targets (Design-to-Cost)
  • Support purchasing during supplier negotiations by completing gap analyses of supplier cost breakdowns (Piece Price, ED&D, Tooling)
  • Contribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities, including serial life should-cost assessments
  • Collaborate closely with internal global team, Engineering, Buyers and Suppliers
  • Provide global cost comparison analysis in partnership with the broader Cost Engineering community

REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry or related technical field
  • Strong English verbal and written skills to support role job key deliverables
  • Ability to manage a high volume of parts and varying levels of complexity
  • Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple levels of the organization, functions and global regions

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
  • Familiarity with cost model structures and activity-based costing for component development
  • Experience in within one or multiple areas: Design Responsible Engineering, Manufacturing, Component Tool development or Component Purchasing

Apply