Vehicle Cost Engineer
Job Type: Contract to hire
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Pay Range: $46.27/hour
We are seeking multiple Vehicle Cost Engineers to support advanced automotive programs across various vehicle systems, including chassis, body, interior, and propulsion. In this role, you will analyze how vehicle components are designed and manufactured to develop accurate cost estimates using structured methodologies.
This position is ideal for engineers with strong manufacturing or product knowledge who want to expand into cost engineering. You will play a key role in supporting cost targets, supplier strategy, and design decisions from early concept through production-working cross-functionally in a dynamic and fast-paced environment ??
WHAT'S THE JOB?
Develop detailed cost estimates for vehicle components and tooling using activity-based costing methods
Analyze Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and physical parts to understand manufacturing processes
Perform bottom-up "should-cost" calculations based on manufacturing steps and material usage
Support design-to-cost initiatives during vehicle development phases
Conduct gap analysis on supplier cost breakdowns (piece price, tooling, ED&D)
Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams globally
Contribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities across programs
Provide cost comparisons and insights to support strategic decision-making
WHAT'S NEEDED?
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field
Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and component design
Experience working with drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Background in one or more areas such as manufacturing engineering, process engineering, product engineering, tooling, or supplier engineering
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional and global teams
Ability to manage multiple components and varying levels of complexity
?? Preferred experience in at least one of the following areas:
Chassis / Thermal Systems: stamping, welding, casting, suspension systems, air intake, thermal modules
Body / Exterior: plastics, injection molding, painting, trims, bumpers, glazing, sealing, lighting
Interior: seating systems, soft trim, foam, textiles, thermoforming, NVH, door panels, consoles
Propulsion: engine components, driveline systems, machining, casting, forging, EV components (inverters, e-motors, chargers)
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
Opportunity to break into cost engineering without prior direct experience
Exposure to full vehicle development lifecycle and global automotive programs
Work alongside experienced engineering and supplier teams
Develop highly transferable skills in cost analysis, manufacturing, and product strategy
Fast-paced and collaborative work environment with high visibility
Competitive hourly compensation
BENEFITS
Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
Dental Plan
Vision Plan
Health Savings Account
Health Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Supplemental Life Insurance
Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
Business Travel Insurance
401(k), Plus Match
Weekly Pay
If you are an engineer with a strong manufacturing or product background and are looking to expand your career into a high-impact role, we encourage you to apply today. Join a team where your expertise will directly influence how vehicles are built, optimized, and delivered to market.
ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP
About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells. ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands - Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells - creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2023 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 14th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.
ManpowerGroup is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a professional, high quality work environment. It is the policy of ManpowerGroup and all of its subsidiaries to recruit, train, promote, transfer, pay and take all employment actions without regard to an employee's race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
