Job Description
The Senior Cost Engineer (CE) is responsible to create, analyze and validate component material costs and targets. The cost engineer working in the PPCO / Product Program Cost Optimization team will be responsible for generating ground-up / detailed material cost estimates that encompass both piece price estimations and production tooling estimations. Collaboration with key internal cross functional peers is essential; the selected candidate will have a working relationship with the product engineering team, the purchasing and supply chain team, the vehicle program team, our global j global partners (including Mexico, South America and South Korea), and to an extent the external component supply base.
This role involves a high level of independent judgment, initiative, creativity, and the management of multiple estimates that focus specifically on identifying accurate cost estimates as well as proposed cost reductions. The Senior Cost Engineer operates with minimal guidance, often solving non-standard, ambiguous cost problems and shaping cost strategies for an ever-evolving business (i.e., resiliency and industrialization efforts). The cost engineer will have exposure to the next generation of automotive vehicles and propulsion systems while working with leading edge automotive experts and technologies.
The Senior Cost Engineer is a recognized subject-matter expert who leads complex cross-functional cost initiatives, influences senior stakeholders, and mentors more junior team members.
Key Responsibilities include:
- The candidate should be able to analyze, organize, and understand large amount of data spanning multiple programs, and translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
- Comprehensive manufacturing process knowledge is required. An understanding of regional difference in manufacturing processes / assumptions is helpful.
- Be an active partner with the internal GPSC purchasing team – aid in providing a fair yet competitive component cost for GM, including leading preparation of analytic fact bases for complex negotiations and sourcing decisions.
- Occasional domestic travel to supplier facilities for enhanced costing collaboration and support of the specific engineering / purchasing team.
- Support the assigned GM SMT/PMT from a tooling and piece price perspective, with primary focus on the most impactful content and cross-program issues.
- Lead cross-functional cost forums and working sessions (e.g., DCR/DCTA cost reviews, sourcing preparation, resiliency / RM indexation workstreams), aligning Engineering, GPSC, PD Finance, and Program teams on cost assumptions and recommendations.
- Own development and continuous improvement of core cost models (CCMs), standards, and analytic tools for designated commodities or architectures, partnering with CKM and PPCO Analytics.
- Design and champion process and tool improvements (dashboards, templates, trackers) that are adopted by other cost engineers and PCM/SMT analysts, improving consistency and efficiency across PPCO.
- Mentor and coach less experienced cost engineers and SMTAs/PCMAs, reviewing complex estimates and PIM updates, providing feedback, and supporting their development.
Required Skills:
- Experience in the financial evaluation of technical concepts and comprehensive understanding of production processes. An understanding of automotive industry trends that are occurring within the field regarding new technologies, autonomous driving, electrification, and additive manufacturing is a plus.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with a high degree of autonomy and complexity, including non-standard, cross-functional cost problems that span multiple programs, SMTs, or regions.
- Ability to lead change, resolve conflicts, and influence without direct authority, often effecting change in the broader functional area by using data and storytelling to gain alignment with senior internal and external partners.
- Ability to assimilate a large amount of cost data and clearly condense / communicate information to the larger GM team in an efficient way, tailoring messages for senior audiences and key decision forums.
- Analytical ability to solve problems that are unique and sometimes complex. Ability to use data driven analysis to identify solutions, establish next steps to assigned projects, and manage open items is crucial, including designing new analytical frameworks and approaches where none exist.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills required to build relationships with global team members and cross functional peers, serving as a go-to resource and coach for others.
- Demonstrated ability to use all Microsoft Office software and show an expertise in MS Excel. Ability to use / learn GMCO$T (internal GM cost estimating software) and related tools (e.g., VisMockup, FTI). Proven ability to definine standards and best practices.
Required Experience / Educational Qualification:
- At least 5 years relevant experience in automotive cost estimating, automotive manufacturing, automotive product design / engineering, or automotive purchasing, with a track record of leading complex, cross-functional cost initiatives or projects.
- Demonstrated leader in driving “cost focused” cross-functional discussions with peers and at a higher level.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related / relevant field of study or substantial cost estimating experience.
- A Graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA), Technical Management, or Engineering is a plus.
Preferred Skills – Experience with any of the following:
- Development of supplier component quotes to OEM’s
- Manufacturing and or launch experience in an automotive setting (OEM, tier 1 or tier 2 environment).
- A broad knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and principles, including but not limited to plastic / injection molding, high pressure / low pressure die casting, stamping, electronics, subcomponent assembly, and large module system assembly. An understanding of expected manufacturing cost factors such as labor, burden, and material as well as commercial items such as SG&A and profit is a plus.
- Experience defining or improving cost models, analytics, or processes that were adopted by multiple teams or programs.
- Experience mentoring or coaching other analysts or engineers on cost, tools, or processes.
Location: Hybrid. This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the - Global HQ Warren MI three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business]
Relocation: This role is NOT eligible for relocation benefits.
GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THIS INCLUDES DIRECT COMPANY SPONSORSHIP, ENTRY OF GM AS THE IMMIGRATION EMPLOYER OF RECORD ON A GOVERNMENT FORM, AND ANY WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRING A WRITTEN SUBMISSION OR OTHER IMMIGRATION SUPPORT FROM THE COMPANY (e.g., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
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