Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed, activity-based should-cost models for powertrain components and sub-assemblies from engineering drawings, CAD files, and BOMs.

• Estimate technical variable and tooling costs for automotive powertrain systems across multiple program development phases.

• Perform bottom-up cost calculations evaluating material utilization, labor cycles, overhead, cycle times, scrap, and logistics.

• Analyze and validate complex supplier cost breakdowns, supporting technical RFQ reviews and strategic purchasing negotiations.

• Evaluate critical powertrain manufacturing processes including high-pressure die casting, precision machining, forging, heat treatment, stamping, and automated assembly line configurations.

• Drive design-to-cost, weight optimization, and VA/VE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) initiatives alongside component engineering teams.

• Track program costs against strict financial targets and manage multiple component optimization programs simultaneously.

• Review, evaluate, and support capital investment requirements for custom tooling, machining lines, and assembly tooling investments.

Cost engineering activities focused on traditional and electrified Powertrain architectures:

• Engine & Core Subsystems: Cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, camshafts, pistons, valvetrain, and timing drive systems.

• Transmission & Driveline: Gearboxes, housings, transmission gears, shafts, torque converters, differentials, and drive axles.

• Electrification / Hybridization Components: E-motors, e-axles, power electronics housings, and basic auxiliary thermal management integration.

• Air & Exhaust Modules: Intake manifolds, turbochargers, exhaust manifolds, and structural brackets.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

• Experience: Proven technical experience in cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, processing, or component design/release within the automotive powertrain domain.

• Tooling & Costing Expertise: Solid experience establishing tooling investments (dies, molds, gages) and component piece-costs for powertrain sub-assemblies.

• Process Knowledge: Strong familiarity with metals, metallurgy, heavy precision machining, casting methods, and global automotive product development cycles.

• Analytical Mindset: Exceptional data analysis capabilities with high attention to detail and a track record of handling multiple programs simultaneously.

• Languages: Advanced English language skills (both written and verbal) for frequent communication within a global engineering framework.

• Direct experience working with Tier 1 Powertrain suppliers or automotive OEMs.
• Prior application of DFMEA, APQP, and standardized VA/VE methodologies to powertrain design change processes.
• Proficiency using advanced cost modeling or parametric costing software tools alongside Microsoft Excel.