Contract Cost Estimator

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East is seeking a skilled Cost Estimator for a contract role in Wyoming, MI. The role supports new product development, engineering changes, and ongoing cost analysis, interfacing with Engineering, Sales, Industrialization, Program Management, and Purchasing.

The ideal candidate has 4–8 years in cost estimation or manufacturing analysis, strong Excel skills, and a solid grasp of cost structures and routings. ERP MAPICS experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or related field—or equivalent experience.
• 4–8 years of experience in cost estimating, cost accounting, engineering support, or manufacturing analysis.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing routings, inventory flow, and product cost structure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; ability to manage complex spreadsheets.
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Finance, Sales, Purchasing, and Operations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and current product cost data for all manufactured and purchased components.
• Prepare unit cost estimates for new product quotations, engineering changes, and customer requests.
• Work closely with Engineering, Sales, Industrialization, and Purchasing to gather materials, routing, and process data needed for cost models.
• Support Program Managers during product development and post–tool kickoff phases.
• Collaborate with the Cost Accounting Manager to maintain accurate cost standards and support annual cost roll processes.
• Assist Finance during annual standard cost reviews to reflect updated production and material costs.
• Participate in cost studies, special projects, and year-end audit activities.
• Ensure all cost estimates reflect anticipated material increases, labor rates, and production variables.
• Review and validate manufacturing routings, inventory flow, and cost inputs for accuracy.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Engineering and Cost Accounting

Skills

Excel

Analytical

Cross-functional

Data interpretation

Statistics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MAPICS ERP

Job description

Cost Estimator Job Summary:

An automotive plastics manufacturer in Wyoming, MI is seeking a skilled Cost Estimator for a contract assignment supporting new product development, engineering changes, and ongoing cost analysis. This role works closely with Engineering, Sales, Industrialization, Program Management, and Purchasing to generate accurate product costs throughout the lifecycle of tooling, development, and production. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in manufacturing cost modeling, preferably within automotive or plastics.

Cost Estimator Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate and current product cost data for all manufactured and purchased components

• Prepare unit cost estimates for new product quotations, engineering changes, and customer requests

• Work closely with Engineering, Sales, Industrialization, and Purchasing to gather materials, routing, and process data needed for cost models

• Support Program Managers during product development and post–tool kickoff phases

• Collaborate with the Cost Accounting Manager to maintain accurate cost standards and support annual cost roll processes

• Assist Finance during annual standard cost reviews to reflect updated production and material costs

• Participate in cost studies, special projects, and year-end audit activities

• Ensure all cost estimates reflect anticipated material increases, labor rates, and production variables

• Review and validate manufacturing routings, inventory flow, and cost inputs for accuracy

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Engineering and Cost Accounting

Schedule & Compensation:

• Schedule: Full-Time, Contract Position

• Pay: $45–$50/hour, based on experience

Qualifications & Skills:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or related field—or equivalent experience

• 4–8 years of experience in cost estimating, cost accounting, engineering support, or manufacturing analysis

• Strong understanding of manufacturing routings, inventory flow, and product cost structure

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; ability to manage complex spreadsheets

• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Finance, Sales, Purchasing, and Operations

• Strong reasoning and problem-solving abilities, including the ability to interpret technical data, drawings, and manufacturing instructions

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistics, geometry, fractions, ratios, and percentages

Preferred:

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Infor ERP (MAPICS) highly preferred

Location:

Wyoming, MI

Position Type:

Full-Time, Contract Role