Cost Planning Co-op (FT 1-year assignment)

Jtekt Na; Morristown, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

JTEKT Automotive North America is seeking a Cost Planning Co-op for Jan 2027–Dec 2027 in TN. The role involves supporting cost planning, RFQs, and benchmarking.

The candidate will develop and maintain cost models and databases, review drawings, and collaborate across departments to drive cost reduction. Ideal candidates are pursuing engineering or business degrees with strong analytical and communication skills, and an interest in automotive manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Business.
• Experience in automotive/manufacturing is beneficial but not required.
• Strong analytical and cost modeling abilities are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support RFQs, cost plans, cost control activities.
• Create, manage, and update Should Be Cost Models for components and processes.
• Create, manage, and update Cost Databases for components and processes.
• Support or lead benchmarking, quoting, and cost reduction related projects.

Skills

Cost estimation

RFQ support

Drawing interpretation

Analytical thinking

Planning & organization

Communication

Education

Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Business

Tools

Excel

Access

Word

Job description

Position

Cost Planning Co-op (Jan. 2027 to Dec. 2027)

Company

JTEKT Automotive North America

Department

Cost Planning - Steering

Location

Vonore and/or Morristown, TN

Classification

FT - Non-Exempt

Summary/Purpose

This individual’s primary responsibilities will be to support the Steering and Driveline Segment organization with quotation, cost planning, and cost control activities. This person will also assist or lead various other benchmarking or special projects.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities

• Support Product Managers and Cost Analysts with RFQ’s, cost plans, cost control, and other key activities.
• Create, manage, and update "Should Be" Cost Models for various components and processes. Includes reviewing drawings, developing cost drivers and calculations using various analytical tools, testing/validating integrity with various departments, and then utilizing these Cost Models for quote estimating.
• Create, manage, and update Cost Databases for various components and processes. Includes developing cost tables, developing cost drivers, testing/validating integrity, and then utilizing these Cost Databases for quote estimating.
• Support/lead various departmental projects related to benchmarking, quoting, cost reduction, etc.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong PC skills using Windows, including proficiency with Excel, Word and Access.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Must be self-motivated and possess excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a participative management environment and maintain a drive for accomplishment of responsibilities.
• Knowledge and/or interest in automobiles would be a plus.

Education and Experience

• Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Business.
• Experience in the automotive and/or manufacturing environment would be beneficial, but not required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.
• Travel by automobile and plane required approximately 10-20% of time.

Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.