Should Costing Engineer

We are looking for an experienced Should Costing Engineer with a strong background in automotive or manufacturing industries. The ideal candidate will have hands-on expertise in component-level cost analysis, manufacturing processes, and supplier quote evaluation, with the ability to independently derive cost models and support sourcing decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform should costing and target cost analysis for engineering components and assemblies
• Develop cost models based on manufacturing processes (sheet metal, plastics, machining, rubber, etc.)
• Analyze supplier quotes and prepare detailed reports for negotiation with suppliers
• Identify cost drivers, cost-saving opportunities, and provide recommendations
• Perform machine selection, cycle time calculations, and MHR (Machine Hour Rate) analysis
• Support commodity teams with pricing strategies and negotiation inputs
• Ensure cost mapping and breakdown at part and assembly level
• Maintain costing documentation and reports

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 7–10 years of experience in should costing / cost engineering
• Experience in automotive, tractor, off-highway (T&OH), or manufacturing industry
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes:
• Sheet Metal (must-have)
• Plastics (must-have)
• Machining, Rubber, Assemblies
• Hands-on experience with:
• Cost calculations (MHR, overheads, profit analysis)
• Cycle time estimation & process mapping
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience with ERP/SAP systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with should costing tools:
• aPriori
• Costimator
• TcPCM
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Additional Information:

• This is an onsite role in San Jose, CA
• Candidates must have hands-on experience in manufacturing cost analysis

Pay: $55.00 - $60.00 per hour

Work Location: In person