Cost Estimator

Overview

The Cost Estimator is primarily responsible for the analysis and quoting of the company’s new business opportunities. Involvement will range from the initial quote package review through the customer technical and cost reviews and up to the internal Post Award Project Line Up Meetings. In addition to the cost estimating activities, this position will be looked on as the company’s Tooling Technical Specialist, providing guidance to the Manufacturing Engineers in all areas of tooling selection, design and issue resolution.  You will be the primary Manufacturing Engineer interface with the customer during the new business award process.  Prepare and maintain historical cost data, provides guidance in equipment selection, overall operations and future expansion as well as help establish initial design goals, process and equipment specifications. Assist with developing Manufacturing Engineers mechanical and tooling knowledge in design and issue resolution.  Assist the Engineering group with updating corporate design standards / specifications in all Mechanical and Tooling areas.

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive? Competitive Wages, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Medical & Rx Plans, Dental & Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability Coverage, 401K with Company Match, Tuition Reimbursement, Vehicle and Product Discounts

Responsibilities

• Determines the cost and timing impacts for the assembly process, square footage requirements, capital investments (equipment and facilities), direct and indirect labor.
• Procures the base line statement of work (SOW), roles and responsibilities matrix (RASI), component information (CAD & 2D prints) and bill of materials (BOM) from the Business Development group and is responsible for reviewing this information to create a comprehensive list of questions and additional information required to quote the project.
• Prepare and present technical presentations for customer reviews, to include detailed cycle time analysis, proposed equipment design, facility layout with material flow impacts, key error proofing concepts, project timing and program assumptions.
• Prepare project line up information for awarded business, with the assistance of business development, to communicate the quoted project cost and timing requirements, along with all program assumptions to the launch team.
• Collect cost data from internal department representatives, sub-contractors, and vendors as required.
• Drive lean concepts throughout the quoting and development phase of the project.
• Assist with quoting large engineering changes on current business as requested.
• Assist in evaluation of new suppliers, products and technologies to help maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
• Review Customer Quote Documentation (SOW, RASI, BOM and CAD) to identify all project requirements and develop a comprehensive list of questions and additional information required to quote the project.
• Determine required talk time and process efficiencies to accurately establish required process cycle times.
• Determine the required assembly sequence, process steps and assembly methods based on the customer provided information.
• Accurately quote the required square footage requirements, all capital investments (equipment, tooling, and facility upgrades), and required direct / indirect labor.
• Prepare and present technical presentations for customer reviews; to include detailed cycle time analysis, proposed equipment design, facility layout with material flow impacts, key error proofing concepts, project timing and program assumptions.
• Function as the primary Manufacturing Engineer interface with the customer during the new business award process.

Qualifications

• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience as a Manufacturing or Process Engineer or a related Engineering discipline
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field
• Must have eight (8) years of experience designing manufacturing tools
• A minimum of six (6) years of costing or supply chain experience is required
• Eight (8) years of experience working with a quoting process
• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in an automotive manufacturing environment
• Six (6) years of experience in equipment design and procurement
• Eight (8) years of experience in 2-D AutoCAD
• A minimum of six (6) year effectively presenting information and responding to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• A minimum of six (6) years of experience writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eight plus (8 ) years of experience in an automotive sequencing environment
• Eight plus years of experience with:

• Direct and Indirect labor
• Start-up cost
• Capital
• Tooling

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at pistongrouptalent@pistongroup.com. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.