Cost Engineer

YER USA; Georgia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

VDL Industries Gainesville is seeking a Cost Engineer to translate complex technical designs into accurate cost models and influence early project decisions. You will collaborate across Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain to ensure cost competitiveness and manufacturability.

You will evaluate make-versus-buy options, analyze BOMs, and define cost structures for complex assemblies in a high-mix, low-volume environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent and 5+ years in cost/manufacturing engineering.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost calculations for complex assemblies, machining, and fabrication processes.
• Analyze technical product documentation (drawings, BOMs, specifications).
• Define manufacturing routes, process flows, and cost structures.
• Support make-versus-buy decisions in collaboration with Supply Chain.
• Work with Engineering, Sales, and Project Management teams to align cost, quality, and manufacturability.
• Evaluate capacity impact, resources, and production feasibility.
• Identify cost drivers and opportunities for optimization.
• Assess NRE costs, CAPEX/OPEX implications, and production scenarios.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Manufacturing processes

Reading drawings

CAD/CAM SolidWorks

Quality systems ISO 9001

Lean Six Sigma

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

5+ years cost/manufacturing engineering experience

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP systems

Job description

VDL Industries Gainesville is part of VDL Groep, a global family-owned technology company recognized for its ability to deliver complete, turnkey solutions. We design, build, assemble, and test complex high-tech systems for leading OEMs around the world.

With engineering and production fully integrated, we operate in a high-mix, low-volume environment where precision, innovation, and quality are key. Our teams work on long-cycle projects that require deep technical expertise and close collaboration across disciplines.

You will join a company culture that combines the entrepreneurial spirit of a growing U.S. site with the stability and long-term vision of a global family business.

Position Summary

As a Cost Engineer, you translate complex technical designs into accurate, competitive cost models. You play a critical role early in the project lifecycle, influencing manufacturing strategies, supplier involvement, and overall project feasibility.

You act as a bridge between Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain, ensuring alignment between cost, quality, and manufacturability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost calculations for complex assemblies, machining, and fabrication processes
• Analyze technical product documentation (drawings, BOMs, specifications)
• Define manufacturing routes, process flows, and cost structures
• Support make-versus-buy decisions in collaboration with Supply Chain
• Work closely with Engineering, Sales, and Project Management teams
• Evaluate capacity impact, resources, and production feasibility
• Identify cost drivers and opportunities for optimization
• Assess NRE costs, CAPEX/OPEX implications, and production scenarios
• Support post-calculation validation, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, assembly)
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience with CAD/CAM tools (SolidWorks preferred)
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 or similar quality systems
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong communication skills across technical and commercial stakeholders

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5 years in cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, or similar
• Experience in high-tech industries such as semiconductor, aerospace, or medical is preferred

Why This Role Stands Out

• Be involved at the front-end of highly complex, high-tech projects W
• Work in a turnkey environment where you influence how systems are built end-to-end
• Join a growing, dynamic U.S. organization with strong global backing
• Informal and collaborative culture with short decision lines
• Long-term, technically challenging projects instead of repetitive work
• Strong benefits and a stable, long-term-oriented employer