Cost Estimator

Hi--lex-Control; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HI-LEX, a leading automotive components provider, seeks a Cost Estimator to drive accurate project costing from BOMs, designs, and processes. This role partners with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Sales to ensure competitive, value-driven estimates.

The ideal candidate brings 1–3 years in automotive cost estimating, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with Excel and CAXIOM to support budgeting and planning activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–3 years cost estimating experience, automotive industry preferred.
• Experience reading and interpreting BOMs, specs, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to develop labor estimates and perform variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimation efforts for HI-LEX projects, ensuring accurate and timely quotes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Sales to capture cost drivers.
• Prepare and present cost estimates using the in-house CAXIOM tool and Excel-based models.

Skills

Cost estimation

Analytical thinking

Mathematical proficiency

Communication skills

Education

4-year degree in engineering, finance, economics

MBA or MS degree preferred

Tools

Excel

CAXIOM costing tool

Job description

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint.In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of finance, sales, engineering, testing, and program management, and will serve as the location for the Cost EstimatorWebsite: HI-LEX.comPOSITION SUMMARY:This role coordinates, directs and leads estimating efforts to ensure optimum costing and coordination of projects and programs to ensure HI-LEX meets customer expectations and manufacturing requirements.KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Works with functional departments to understand current BOM product costs, designs, specifications, manufacturing processes, and commodity market driversFacilitate teamwork with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and SalesDetermining what factors of production will influence the cost of a service or productPreparing cost estimates for HI-LEX products using in-house costing tool CAXIOM.Migrating existing cost sheets from excel to CAXIOM costing format.Creating labor estimates for any projectCompiling and recording actual costsPresenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholdersCapacity planning for equipment and tooling for all business opportunities.Ability to analyze statistical information, prepare, and present the data.Good knowledge and understanding of target cost and production cost calculationsVery good understanding of the value-add processLiaison to support Value Management to meet department goals and objectives.Sound business and technical understanding of the automotive industry.Organizes meetings with multiple departments and plant personnel.Willingness to travel between HI-LEX facilities.Perform other duties as required.Education4-year degree in engineering, finance, economics or equivalent; MBA or MS degree preferred.Functional ExperienceFamiliarity with analyzing requirement data to develop material and cost estimates for large projectsExpertise with analytic tools, such as spreadsheets and database managersAbility to read and interpret technical documentsStrong customer service orientationExceptional time management skillsAutonomous, self-starterAbility to facilitate and support growth of team membersWorks effectively and productively with othersAnalytical ThinkingProficiency in mathematics, statistics and data analysisExcellent analytical skills and attention to detailReport writing and strategic planning skillsMinimum 1-3 years previous cost estimating experience, automotive industry background preferred.Physical RequirementAbility to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time usually at a desk.Occasionally lift up to 25 poundsOccasional standing, walking reaching, and bendingCore CompetenciesMathematical skillsAbility to work as part of a teamDetail oriented. Analytical thinking skills.Strong communication skills both written and verbalStrong overall leadership skills/interpersonal skillsSuperior planner and organizerHolds self personally accountable