Cost Engineer - Seating, Restraints
Cost Engineer Description:
Responsible for generating cost reduction ideas through product process enhancement, works with suppliers to identify process/product efficiencies that will reduce overall costs, develops appropriate product specifications to achieve required function at minimum cost, represents Product Engineering in Value Add / Value Engineering and Cost Reduction workshops, participates in price benchmarking, teardown activities, synergy activities
Cost Engineer Requirements:
The Value Optimization Lead (VOL) is overall responsible for the planning, validating and implementing of all cost reduction ideas to meet the Unit Responsible Value Optimization Savings target by system and commodity area. The VOL leads the engineers, suppliers, vehicle integration, purchasing, quality, finance, etc. through the evaluation, validation and presentation of recommended ideas and their associated business cases. VOL typically reports to the NAFTA Value Optimization Driver.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Lead people and direct cross-functional engineering teams to achieve goals, identify roadblocks and keep projects on schedule.
- Supports SR (System Responsible)/PC (Project Chiefs) to summarize commodity area vehicle level savings, including forecasting savings potential as part of the short term and long term strategy.
- Generates and organizes ideas for vehicle level proposals within the commodity area, by facilitating workshops, supplier and engineering engagement activities.
- Maintains the implementation schedule of value optimization ideas
- Facilitates weekly and monthly progress reviews internally and with the suppliers.
Cost Engineer Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited university.
- 3+ years Experience in Seating systems, Restraints and related components.
- An understanding of development principles and processes such as: functional objectives, DFMEA, DVP&R.
- Strong communication skills to drive results.
- An understanding of corporate and competitive products through benchmarking, read across research and industry best practices.
- A strong desire to build a career in automotive engineering.
Preferred Qualifications
- Manufacturing experience in WCM (World Class Manufacturing) and/or Kaizen continuous improvement activities
- Experience in estimating cost, investment, and timing
Driving and Travel:
May be required to drive a company car. Valid Drivers License and clean driving record required.
Domestic and International Travel may be required.