Search Jobs
Automotive Cost Estimator
Posted: 06/09/2026
Employment Type:
Direct Placement
Job Industry: Defense/Government
Job Number: 26-00210
Job Description
Automotive Cost Estimator
Location: Shelby Twp, Michigan
Employment Type: Permanent, Mon–Fri
Pay Range: [$110K-$115K]
Perks & Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), PTO, Career growth opportunities, Collaborative team environment
About the Role
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Automotive Cost Estimator to support automotive manufacturing programs and OEM quoting activities. In this role, you will develop accurate cost estimates, analyze customer RFQs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive competitive pricing strategies. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with strong visibility into program management, purchasing, and operations.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Professionals, Inc. (CPI), founded by an Air Force veteran, is an award-winning talent solutions company connecting top talent with leading employers in defense, aerospace, and mobility industries. Https://www.Cpijobs.Com/
Location: Shelby Twp, Michigan
Employment Type: Permanent, Mon–Fri
Pay Range: [$110K-$115K]
Perks & Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), PTO, Career growth opportunities, Collaborative team environment
About the Role
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Automotive Cost Estimator to support automotive manufacturing programs and OEM quoting activities. In this role, you will develop accurate cost estimates, analyze customer RFQs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive competitive pricing strategies. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with strong visibility into program management, purchasing, and operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and analyze customer RFQs, engineering drawings, CAD data, and specifications for new and existing programs
- Develop detailed cost estimates for tooling, materials, labor, equipment utilization, logistics, and overhead
- Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, tooling, and program management teams to validate assumptions and cost drivers
- Prepare and maintain quotation packages, including cost sheets, pricing summaries, and supporting documentation
- Conduct benchmarking and competitor analysis to ensure accurate and competitive pricing
- Update and maintain cost models based on supplier quotes, commodity pricing, and manufacturing cycle times
- Support Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives to identify cost-saving opportunities
- Interface with customers and internal stakeholders to clarify requirements and provide cost justifications
- Maintain databases for standard times, tooling costs, material pricing, and manufacturing benchmarks
- Support program launches by comparing quoted versus actual costs and identifying improvement opportunities
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business, Finance, or equivalent technical experience
- 5–10 years of experience in cost estimating, quoting, or program management within an automotive Tier-1 supplier environment
- Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, including injection molding, stamping, machining, welding, painting, and assembly
- Knowledge of tooling costs, including injection molds, stamping dies, fixtures, and secondary equipment
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and cost analysis tools
- Ability to review CAD data and technical drawings
- Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements
- Experience supporting OEM customers within the automotive industry
- Background in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives
- Experience with manufacturing benchmarking and competitive cost analysis
- Prior exposure to program launches and cost reconciliation activities
- Opportunity for career advancement into Senior Estimator, Cost Engineering Manager, or Program Manager roles
- Exposure to cross-functional operations including engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing
- Collaborative and fast-paced work environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation
Contract Professionals, Inc. (CPI), founded by an Air Force veteran, is an award-winning talent solutions company connecting top talent with leading employers in defense, aerospace, and mobility industries. Https://www.Cpijobs.Com/
Meet Your Recruiter
Alisha Ableson
Technical Recruiter
Alisha Ableson is a skilled Technical Recruiter in the Defense Division at CPI, where she provides specialized recruitment services to CPI's defense clients. With over 20 years of experience in recruitment, Alisha has successfully recruited across diverse disciplines, including technical, administrative, and operational roles.
Throughout her career, Alisha has built strong relationships with candidates, ensuring a seamless hiring process and consistently delivering exceptional results for her clients. Her extensive experience enables her to address even the most complex recruitment needs with confidence.
Alisha's dedication to client satisfaction and her ability to adapt to various industries make her a valuable asset to CPI and its defense clients.
××
Saving Record to JobDiva...