Vehicle Cost Engineer - Propulsion

Vehicle Cost EngineerJob Type: Contract to hire Location: Auburn Hills, MI Pay Range: $46.27/hourWe 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 environmentWhat's the Job?Develop detailed cost estimates for vehicle components and tooling using activity-based costing methodsAnalyze Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and physical parts to understand manufacturing processesPerform bottom-up "should-cost" calculations based on manufacturing steps and material usageSupport design-to-cost initiatives during vehicle development phasesConduct gap analysis on supplier cost breakdowns (piece price, tooling, ED&D)Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams globallyContribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities across programsProvide cost comparisons and insights to support strategic decision-makingWhat's Needed?Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical fieldMinimum 5 years of experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environmentsStrong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and component designExperience 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 engineeringProficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and WordStrong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional and global teamsAbility to manage multiple components and varying levels of complexityPreferred experience in at least one of the following areas:Chassis / Thermal Systems: stamping, welding, casting, suspension systems, air intake, thermal modulesBody / Exterior: plastics, injection molding, painting, trims, bumpers, glazing, sealing, lightingInterior: seating systems, soft trim, foam, textiles, thermoforming, NVH, door panels, consolesPropulsion: 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 experienceExposure to full vehicle development lifecycle and global automotive programsWork alongside experienced engineering and supplier teamsDevelop highly transferable skills in cost analysis, manufacturing, and product strategyFast-paced and collaborative work environment with high visibilityCompetitive hourly compensationBenefitsMedical and Prescription Drug PlansDental PlanVision PlanHealth Savings AccountHealth Flexible Spending AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountSupplemental Life InsuranceShort Term and Long Term Disability InsuranceBusiness Travel Insurance401(k), Plus MatchWeekly PayIf 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 ManpowerGroupAbout 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.