Costing Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role:
The Costing Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates for new product quotes and maintaining standard costs for existing production programs within a metal stamping and precision manufacturing environment. This role plays a critical part in supporting sales, engineering, and operations by analyzing materials, labor, tooling, and process costs to ensure competitive pricing and strong margin performance. The ideal candidate brings experience in manufacturing cost estimating, metal stamping processes, and ERP-driven cost analysis, with the ability to drive continuous improvement and cost optimization initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed cost estimates for new product quotes, including materials, labor, tooling, overhead, and equipment costs.

• Analyze technical drawings, blueprints, and vendor quotations to create accurate manufacturing cost models.

• Establish and maintain standard costs within ERP systems for existing products.

• Identify cost uncertainties and risk factors within estimating models and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Track actual production costs against estimates and analyze manufacturing variances.

• Review monthly manufacturing variance reports and adjust costing assumptions as needed.

• Investigate and implement cost reduction opportunities across production processes.

• Collaborate with engineering, project management, procurement, and sales teams to align cost objectives.

• Evaluate alternative production methods and tooling concepts to improve cost efficiency.

• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization.

• Analyze production data using statistical tools to forecast trends and support data-driven decision-making.

• Lead or support projects related to process redesign, workflow optimization, and operational efficiency.

• Support customer and operational initiatives through special cost analysis projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• Five to seven years of experience in cost engineering, manufacturing estimating, or production operations.

• Strong knowledge of metal stamping, heat treating, plating, welding, mechanical assembly, and CNC machining preferred.

• Experience developing cost models for tooling, production processes, and equipment.

• Proficiency with ERP systems such as Syteline or similar platforms.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for cost modeling and data analysis.

• Familiarity with SolidWorks, MS Project, and Microsoft Office tools.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in high-volume metal stamping or precision manufacturing environments.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training.

• Experience supporting quoting processes for automotive, aerospace, or industrial customers.

• Background in process improvement and cost optimization initiatives.