Cost Engineer

General Motors

. Develop, grow, and continuously improve cost knowledge and cost modeling tools .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeWarren • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Activity Based Costing, Cost Optimization, and Design to Cost methodologies, with a strong background in automotive component analysis and supplier negotiations. Proficient in data analytics and costing software, capable of training others and improving cost modeling processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Activity Based CostingCost OptimizationDesign to Cost/VAVEAutomotive Component ExperienceData Analytics

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Cost ModelingShould-Cost EstimatingCost Insights DevelopmentSupplier Quote AnalysisManufacturing Process ExperienceCosting Software ProficiencyCommercial NegotiationsBenchmarkingTooling AnalysisHigh Volume Automotive Applications

Soft Skills

CollaborationTrainingAdvocacy

Industry Keywords

Automotive Tier 1 SupplierInjection MoldingStampingBrazingAluminum ExtrusionSMT/ElectronicsCastingMachiningGeneral AssemblyCost Standards Development

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, grow, and continuously improve cost knowledge and cost modeling tools
Perform ground-up should-cost estimating for materials, vendor tooling, and ED&D for assigned components and subsystems
Evaluate GM and competitor design solutions and their cost implications
Develop timely estimates and cost insights to support new vehicle program business cases, targeted costs, and profitability improvements
Evaluate supplier quotes against estimated costs for sourcing and engineering changes
Extract insights on cost gaps and support Purchasing in data-driven supplier negotiations
Identify, advocate for, and support savings opportunities through design-to-cost/VAVE and commercial gap resolution
Collaborate cross-functionally with Purchasing and Engineering partners
Work on special projects and assignments to improve cost results and process effectiveness
Support development of process and estimating standards for supplier automation levels
Train new Cost Engineers on activity-based costing and GM tools
Work under a hybrid policy of three days in-office and two days remote

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, or related field of study
Three (3) years of experience as a Cost Engineer, Launch Engineer, Product Engineer, or related role
Three (3) years of experience with Activity Based Costing, including material piece cost, ED&D, and tooling from design math and “black box” physical sample tear down
Manufacturing process experience including injection molding, stamping, brazing, aluminum extrusion, SMT/electronics, casting, machining, and general assembly for high volume automotive component applications
Automotive component experience with a variety of components
Automotive Tier 1 Supplier Quote Analysis
Commercial negotiations including material piece cost, ED&D, and vendor tooling with international Tier 1 automotive component suppliers
Design to Cost/VAVE, Cost Optimization, and Benchmarking
Data Analytics
Costing software proficiency, demonstrating command of it, and training other people
Must be able to report to the local office

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits supporting employee well-being at work and at home
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities
Inclusive, non-discriminatory workplace