Project Cost Engineer – Body Systems (Automotive)

About the role

We are looking for a Project Cost Engineer to join the Body team supporting a leading global automotive OEM. The role focuses on cost estimation, analysis and optimisation for body and exterior vehicle systems, covering the full product development lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Develop detailed should‑cost models for body and exterior components and assemblies.
• Perform bottom‑up cost analysis including materials, labour, overhead, scrap, tooling and logistics.
• Analyse manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, painting, plastic injection molding, extrusion and assembly to identify cost drivers.
• Conduct supplier quotation (RFQ) analysis and validate pricing against technical assumptions.
• Build and maintain cost databases and parametric cost models.
• Support design‑to‑cost (DTC) and value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives.
• Benchmark using historical data, industry standards and market intelligence.
• Estimate tooling and capital expenditures, including amortisation models.
• Evaluate make‑vs‑buy scenarios and sourcing strategies.
• Track cost evolution across program phases and perform gap analysis versus target cost.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years of experience in cost engineering or technical engineering.
• Experience within an OEM or Tier 1 automotive supplier is preferred.
• Strong understanding of design, manufacturing processes and cost analysis.
• Experience with body, exterior or lighting systems is a strong advantage.
• Advanced Excel and cost‑modeling capabilities.
• Intermediate English (professional working level).

Required skills

• Excel
• Cost modelling
• Cost estimation
• Cost analysis
• RFQ analysis