Automotive Plastic Parts Cost Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a Project Cost Engineer with strong expertise in plastic components and injection molding processes within the automotive or manufacturing industry. This role is responsible for developing accurate cost models, analyzing manufacturing processes, and supporting sourcing and product development decisions through detailed cost engineering activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost models for plastic components, including material, labor, overhead, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Analyze injection molding processes such as material drying, plasticization, injection, packing, cooling, ejection, and trimming.
• Evaluate Bill of Materials (BOM), resin types (PP, ABS, PC, PA, etc.), additives, colorants, and recycled content impact on cost.
• Perform cost breakdown analysis for plastic parts including cycle time, machine rates, cavitation, scrap rate, and secondary operations.
• Assess tooling costs (injection molds), including mold design complexity, number of cavities, hot runner vs cold runner systems, and maintenance.
• Support RFQs by providing cost estimations and benchmarking supplier quotations.
• Conduct value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) to identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, and suppliers to validate cost assumptions and manufacturing feasibility.
• Analyze global resin market trends and support cost forecasting.
• Support negotiation of piece price and tooling investments with suppliers.

Technical Scope

• Plastic injection molding processes
• Thermoplastics (PP, ABS, PC, PA, POM, etc.)
• Tooling (injection molds, hot runners, cooling systems)
• Secondary operations (painting, ultrasonic welding, assembly, decoration, laser etching)
• Cost drivers: cycle time, machine tonnage, material yield, scrap, labor content

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related.
• 3–7+ years of experience in cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, or product costing.
• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding processes and tooling.
• Experience in cost breakdowns and manufacturing process analysis.
• Understanding of BOM structures and cost drivers in plastic components.
• Experience working with suppliers and RFQ processes.
• Advanced Excel skills (cost modeling).
• English: Advanced (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive industry (Tier 1 or OEM).
• Knowledge of resin pricing and commodity trends.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (CATIA, NX, Creo) for part evaluation.
• Experience with VA/VE methodologies.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma knowledge.