Automotive Cost Estimator for Quoting & Manufacturing Planning

DIRECT Staffing Solutions; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DIRECT Staffing Solutions seeks a cost estimator for automotive interior programs in Michigan. After initial training you will operate in a hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, supporting quotes for new programs and major changes.

You will interpret BOMs and drawings, develop manufacturing and labor plans, and analyze costs to ensure competitive quotes across multiple locations. Strong analytical skills and PE/ME are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus.
• Automotive manufacturing background required.
• Experience with automotive interiors plastic products and complex manufacturing processes.
• Experience preparing cost estimates for new programs and large-scale engineering changes.
• 5–8 years of cost estimation experience.
• Travel: up to 5% to US plants.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates for new program quotations and large-scale engineering changes; deliverables include piece price, tooling, capital equipment, process flows and design time.
• Interpret engineering BOMs, drawings and models to understand part requirements.
• Develop manufacturing and labor plans with understanding of process capabilities across locations.
• Determine baseline cycle times based on equipment or labor bottlenecks; assess total manufacturing hours and impacts on operations.
• Assist updating plant layouts for quotes; understand material flow, capacity, WIP, and capital equipment footprints.
• Maintain and update capacity by equipment and plant location.
• Analyze internal and external costs to ensure quote accuracy and competitiveness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Purchasing, Sales, Manufacturing, Plant and Corporate teams; present business cases to exec mgmt.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Engineering background (PE/ME)

Cross-functional collaboration

AutoCAD familiarity

Cost estimating

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PE or ME license

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

DIRECT Staffing Solutions seeks a cost estimator for automotive interior programs in Michigan. After initial training you will operate in a hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, supporting quotes for new programs and major changes.

You will interpret BOMs and drawings, develop manufacturing and labor plans, and analyze costs to ensure competitive quotes across multiple locations. Strong analytical skills and PE/ME are highly valued.