Senior Cost Estimating Engineer

Transforming the Future with Convergence of Simulation and Data

Senior Cost Estimating Engineer

Job Summary:

Our client in Auburn Hills, MI is looking for Senior Cost Estimating Engineer. This is a contract position.

What You Will Do:

Responsibilities include utilizing available hardware, engineering drawings and specifications, and process flow layouts to develop component cost estimates. The Cost Estimating Engineer is responsible for supporting the development of theoretical mass production cost models, for a variety of powertrain-type components, in transportation and energy generation applications. In addition, they are responsible for assisting in the research and development of manufacturing overhead rates, for a variety of manufacturing operations and processes, ensuring the generated cost models are representative of marketplace data.

What You Will Need:

Basics:

• Relevant Industry Experience (min. 3 years) in the financial evaluation of technical concepts and comprehensive understanding of production processes. (casting, stamping, forging, gear mfg., heat treatment, Machining, manufacturing process layouts, capacities, process layouts, costs, cycle times, typical manning patterns, functional checks, etc.,)
• An understanding of expected manufacturing cost factors such as Direct & Indirect Costs such as material, labor, burden, as well as commercial items such as SG&A and profit is a plus (preferred). Good understanding of impact of production volume, tooling, and ED&T and modelling them into should cost estimations is highly valuable.
• A broad knowledge of Electronics manufacturing processes, technologies, and principles, including but not limited to Surface Mount Technology, Electronics Module Assembly (Sealed and Unsealed), Die casting, Stamping, plastic injection molding, and subcomponent assembly. Examples of systems and parts: Electric Drive Units – E-Motors, Inverters, Gate Driver Boards, IGBT's, E-Axles, and a multitude of module assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to use all Microsoft Office software and show an expertise in MS Excel. Ability to use / learn cost estimation software and process calculators. Ability to create new process calculators for new technology costing in excel when needed.
• Understand automotive, commercial, and off highway industry trends that are occurring within the field regarding new technologies, autonomous driving, electrification, and additive manufacturing.
• Contact production supplier partners to verify bottom up should costing assumptions and gather key insights related to new technology costing to make it representative of marketplace data.
• Contact technology subject matter experts to understand and compare competitor technology from a performance perspective, to gather insights related to tradeoffs and rationale for design selection to actual cost ($/kW, $/flow rate, etc). Identifying "Why” behind the should cost estimate is important to deliver insights and recommendations to clients.
• Demonstrated ability to verify supplier RFQ's with should cost estimates and negotiated a lower piece price.
• Ability to assimilate a large amount of cost data and clearly condense / communicate information to Customers during meetings/ work with project engineers to summarize in an efficient way

Preferred:

• At least 5-10 years relevant experience in automotive, commercial, or off highway cost estimating, manufacturing, product design / engineering, or purchasing
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related / relevant field of study
• A Graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA), Technical Management, or Engineering (preferred)
• Manufacturing and or launch experience in an automotive setting (OEM, tier 1 or tier 2 environment) (preferred)
• Development of supplier component quotes to OEM's (preferred). This understanding is valuable to perform supplier negotiations in production development programs.
• A high degree of agility to support a dynamic and rapid-pace environment
• A passion for understanding emerging technologies and subsequent key cost drivers
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with a high degree of autonomy and complexity
• Ability to drive results and provide cost guidance in what can be an ambiguous environment
• Ability to lead change, resolve conflicts, and influence without direct authority
• Analytical ability to solve problems that are unique and sometimes complex
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills required to build relationships with global team members and cross functional peers

How You Will Be Successful:

• Envision the Future
• Communicate Honestly and Broadly
• Seek Technology and Business “First”
• Embrace Diversity and Take Risks

Why Work with Us:

Altair is a global technology company providing software and cloud solutions in the area of data analytics, product development, and high-performance computing (HPC). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world, while creating a more sustainable future. With more than 3,000 engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers in 25 countries, we help solve our customer’s toughest challenges and deliver unparalleled service, helping the innovators innovate, drive better decisions, and turn today’s problems into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Our vision is to transform customer decision making with data analytics, simulation, and high-performance computing.

For more than 30 years, we have been helping our customers integrate electronics and controls with mechanical design to expand product value, develop AI, simulation and data-driven digital twins to drive better decisions, and deliver advanced HPC and cloud solutions to support unlimited idea exploration. To learn more, please visit altair.com

Ready to go? #ONLYFORWARD   

At our core we are explorers; adventures; pioneers. We are the brains behind some of the world’s most revolutionary innovations and are not only comfortable in new and unchartered waters, we dive headfirst. We are the original trailblazers that make the impossible possible, discovering new solutions to our customer’s toughest challenges.

Altair is an equal opportunity employer. Our backgrounds are diverse, and every member of our global team is critical to our success. Altair’s history demonstrations a belief that empowering each individual authentic voice reinforces a culture that thrives because of the uniqueness among our team.