Project Cost Engineer (Driveline)

The Project Cost Engineer (PCE) specializing in Powertrain Systems leads technical cost estimation, bottom-up manufacturing analysis, and optimization activities for conventional and electrified propulsion technologies. This role bridges technical engineering design and financial tracking to establish robust variable and tooling should-cost targets. The ideal candidate possesses deep insight into powertrain component architectures, machining, assembly, and casting processes, collaborating tightly within local and global cross-functional product development teams.

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.