Seat (armrests) Project Cost Engineer

Segula Technologies; México; On-site; MXN 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Groupe SEGULA Technologies SA in Mexico is seeking a Cost Engineering Expert specialized in seat components with a focus on Armrests. You will lead cost models, estimate tooling costs, and perform should-cost analyses across multiple automotive programs.

Collaboration with global teams and support for NRE and tooling cost evaluations are key aspects of this role. The candidate will work closely with engineering, purchasing, and finance to optimize armrest architectures, manage BOM cost drivers,

Qualifications

• Specialized knowledge in armrest design, materials, and plastics.
• Experience in cost analysis, modeling, and optimization across programs.
• Ability to manage complex cost models and collaborate globally.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost models for seat components focusing on Armrest assemblies.
• Estimate variable and tooling costs across program phases.
• Perform should-cost analyses and supplier cost breakdowns.
• Analyze BOMs and identify key cost drivers for plastics and components.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes relevant to armrests (injection molding, trimming, assembly).
• Support RFQs, sourcing strategies, and supplier negotiations.
• Drive design-to-cost and VA/VE activities with engineering teams.
• Track costs across programs to ensure alignment with targets.
• Support NRE and tooling cost analyses and mold investment evaluations.
• Collaborate with global teams across engineering, purchasing, finance, and program management.

Skills

Cost modeling

Armrest cost analysis

Should-cost analysis

BOM validation

VA/VE initiatives

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

Costing software

Job description

Role Overview

The Cost Engineering Expert specialized in seat components with a primary focus on Armrests (front, rear, and integrated center console systems)— eads cost analysis, estimation, and optimization activities across multiple automotive programs. This role requires a deep understanding of armrest design, mechanisms, manufacturing processes, and cost structures, alongside the ability to manage complex cost models and collaborate within global cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead detailed cost models for seat components, specializing in complete Armrest assemblies (including structures, foam, trim cover, mechanisms, and integrated electronics).
• Estimate variable and tooling costs for automotive armrest and seating components across different program phases.
• Perform should-cost analysis, supplier cost breakdowns, and benchmarking activities specifically targeting armrest architectures.
• Analyze and validate Bill of Materials (BOM) and identify key cost drivers for plastics, substrates, and kinematics.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes relevant to armrests, such as plastic injection molding, foaming, cutting & sewing, wrapping/binding, and final assembly.
• Support RFQs, sourcing strategies, and supplier negotiations for armrest programs.
• Drive design-to-cost and VA/VE initiatives for armrest optimization in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Manage cost tracking across multiple programs simultaneously, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
• Support NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) and tooling cost analysis and injection mold investment evaluations.
• Collaborate with global teams across engineering, purchasing, finance, and program management.