Cost Planning Engineer

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, we’ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether that’s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.

ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the world’s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level. You don’t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to work—we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.

This role is crucial in ensuring the financial viability and competitiveness of our clients’ current and future vehicle programs. The Cost Planning Engineer will be responsible for developing, analyzing, and managing cost targets throughout the product lifecycle, from early concept to series production. This individual will collaborate closely with engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and finance teams to drive cost optimization and achieve program profitability goals.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive cost plans for new and existing vehicle programs, including material costs, tooling costs, manufacturing costs, and engineering expenses.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis of components, systems, and manufacturing processes to identify cost drivers and potential optimization opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams during the design phase to ensure cost-effective design solutions and adherence to cost targets.
• Work closely with the purchasing department to analyze supplier quotes, negotiate cost reductions, and support sourcing decisions based on total cost of ownership.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to understand production processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reduction.
• Develop and track key cost performance indicators (KPIs) and report on cost status against targets to management.
• Prepare and present cost forecasts and budget proposals for various stages of the product development process.
• Conduct "should-cost" analyses to benchmark supplier pricing and identify potential cost savings.
• Support value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) activities to identify and implement cost-reducing design and process changes.
• Maintain accurate and organized cost data within relevant systems and databases.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and cost-saving methodologies relevant to the automotive sector.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to provide cost-related insights and support decision-making.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to cost planning processes and methodologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in cost planning, cost engineering, or financial analysis within the automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1 supplier experience preferred).
• Minimum 1 year of experience in mechanical design in the automotive industry.
• Proven ability to analyze complex cost data, identify cost drivers, and develop cost reduction strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, advanced formulas, data analysis).
• Experience with cost accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interact with cross-functional teams and management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with relevant software and systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, PLM systems).
• Professional certifications such as Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or equivalent.
• Experience with target costing methodologies.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience in negotiating with suppliers.

ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.