Senior Cost Engineer

General Motors

. Create, analyze, and validate component material costs and targets .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeWarren • Michigan • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in automotive cost estimating and manufacturing processes, with a strong ability to analyze and communicate complex cost data. Proven leadership in cross-functional collaboration and project management, driving cost-focused initiatives and mentoring less experienced team members.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Cost EstimatingCross-Functional LeadershipAdvanced MS Excel ProficiencyCost Model DevelopmentAnalytical Problem-Solving

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost AnalysisMaterial Cost EstimationFinancial EvaluationManufacturing Process KnowledgeData-Driven AnalysisCost Strategy DevelopmentAnalytical Framework DesignProject ManagementCost Reduction StrategiesNegotiation Preparation

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsConflict ResolutionInfluencing Without AuthorityMentoring

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeGMCO$TVisMockupFTI

Industry Keywords

Automotive ManufacturingCost InitiativesSupplier CollaborationComponent CostsProduct Design Engineering

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Create, analyze, and validate component material costs and targets
Generate ground-up and detailed material cost estimates, including piece price and production tooling estimates
Collaborate with product engineering, purchasing and supply chain, vehicle program, global partners, and external suppliers
Manage multiple estimates focused on accurate cost estimates and proposed cost reductions
Solve non-standard and ambiguous cost problems and shape cost strategies
Analyze, organize, and translate large amounts of cost data into actionable insights
Partner with the internal GPSC purchasing team to provide fair and competitive component costs
Prepare analytic fact bases for complex negotiations and sourcing decisions
Travel occasionally to supplier facilities for costing collaboration
Support assigned GM SMT/PMT from tooling and piece-price perspectives
Lead cross-functional cost forums and working sessions involving Engineering, GPSC, PD Finance, and Program teams
Develop and continuously improve core cost models, standards, and analytic tools
Design and champion dashboards, templates, trackers, and other process and tool improvements
Mentor and coach less experienced cost engineers and SMTAs/PCMAs

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least 5 years relevant experience in automotive cost estimating, automotive manufacturing, automotive product design / engineering, or automotive purchasing
Track record of leading complex, cross-functional cost initiatives or projects
Demonstrated leadership in driving cost-focused cross-functional discussions
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related/relevant field, or substantial cost estimating experience
Comprehensive manufacturing process knowledge
Experience in financial evaluation of technical concepts
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and non-standard cross-functional cost problems with high autonomy
Ability to lead change, resolve conflicts, and influence without direct authority
Ability to assimilate and communicate large amounts of cost data clearly
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, including data-driven analysis and designing analytical frameworks
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for global and cross-functional collaboration
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially advanced MS Excel
Ability to use or learn GMCO$T and related tools such as VisMockup and FTI
Proven ability to define standards and best practices
No GM immigration-related sponsorship available; candidates must not require current or future GM immigration sponsorship
Preferred: automotive manufacturing or launch experience; supplier component quotes to OEMs; knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes; cost model, analytics, or process improvement experience; mentoring or coaching experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Benefits supporting well-being at work and at home
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities
Role-related assessment and/or pre-employment screening information provided during recruitment