1

Vehicle Cost Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cost Engineer

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$73.20K - $117.80K/yr

... vehicles that are durable, efficient, and sustainable. With a focus on reliability, driver ... The Senior Cost Engineer is responsible for developing, validating, and managing product and ...

Senior Cost Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$73.20K - $117.80K/yr

... vehicles that are durable, efficient, and sustainable. With a focus on reliability, driver ... The Senior Cost Engineer is responsible for developing, validating, and managing product and ...

Gleason products are used by customers in e-mobility, commercial vehicles, aerospace, agriculture ... Position Summary The Proposal Engineer - Pricing & Cost is responsible for developing technically ...

Work Experience as (i) engineer, (ii) cost engineer or (iii) procurement agent. Desired Skills ... Be the center-of-excellence for all vehicle systems with regards to understanding product ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Vehicle Cost Engineer information

See salary details

$5

$41

How much do vehicle cost engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Vehicle Cost Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Cost Engineer jobs are:
Senior Cost Engineer

Senior Cost Engineer

Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh, WI • On-site

$73.20K - $117.80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Oshkosh Corporation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

253rd of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About Oshkosh Delivery, an Oshkosh company

Oshkosh Delivery is dedicated to redefining the future of last-mile and commercial delivery. Built on Oshkosh Corporation's legacy of engineering excellence and innovation, we design and manufacture advanced delivery vehicles that are durable, efficient, and sustainable. With a focus on reliability, driver experience, and cutting-edge technology, Oshkosh Delivery empowers fleets and businesses to move goods smarter, safer, and with confidence, today and for the road ahead.

The Senior Cost Engineer is responsible for developing, validating, and managing product and project cost estimates to support budgeting, pricing strategy, and supplier negotiations. This role partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate cost modeling, conduct weight and material usage analysis, and identify cost reduction opportunities that improve overall program profitability.

* This role is based in Oshkosh, WI, however, we are open to considering remote candidates who are able to travel as needed.

YOUR IMPACT:

These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned:

  • Develop detailed cost estimates for new and existing products/projects, including materials, labor, overhead, tooling, and capital expenditures
  • Analyze bills of materials (BOMs), drawings, specifications, and production processes to validate cost assumptions
  • Partner with engineering and operations to evaluate design alternatives and cost impacts
  • Perform weight checks and material yield analysis to validate material usage, structural assumptions, and cost drivers
  • Support pricing strategies through cost modeling and margin analysis
  • Conduct variance analysis comparing estimated vs. actual costs and identify root causes
  • Monitor cost trends and recommend cost reduction initiatives
  • Support supplier cost analysis and should-cost modeling to support sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations
  • Partner with Supply Chain to provide cost breakdowns and analytical support during supplier negotiations
  • Maintain and improve cost estimation tools, templates, and systems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Accounting, or related field and three (3) or more years of relevant experience (equivalent to nine (9) years in total education and experience); or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills
  • Proficiency in Excel and financial modeling
  • Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

*OSK1917

#LI-TA1

Pay Range:

$73,200.00 - $117,800.00

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer.Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.


What Oshkosh Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom