Project Cost Performance Specialist

Stellantis; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Stellantis in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking a highly analytical Project Cost Performance Specialist to drive cost optimization across the product development lifecycle. You will consolidate Total Production Cost forecasts, support project teams in hitting cost targets, and provide strategic guidance on components and adaptation costs.

You will partner with engineering, finance, program management, and cost engineering to influence decisions, identify savings opportunities, and ensure profitability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, accounting, finance, or business.
• Minimum 5 years of forecasting/budgeting experience.
• Strong cost analysis, manufacturing finance, or program controls background.
• Understanding of vehicle systems and product development lifecycle.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate effectively.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, business case development, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and cost management/reporting tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead consolidation and management of Total Production Cost forecasts from initiation through SOP and mass production.
• Ensure cost forecasts align with project scope, design evolution, and business objectives.
• Perform cost assessments during early development using preliminary inputs.
• Benchmark TPC performance against targets and comparable programs.
• Serve as primary cost performance contact for project teams with guidance and insights.
• Monitor production cost throughout the lifecycle and develop forward-looking projections using key drivers.

Skills

Forecasting & budgeting

Cost analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering or Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Cost management tools

Forecasting software

Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly analytical and collaborative Project Cost Performance Specialist to drive cost optimization and profitability throughout the product development lifecycle. This role is responsible for consolidating and managing Total Production Cost (TPC) forecasts, supporting project teams in achieving cost targets, and providing strategic guidance on components and vehicle adaptation costs.

As a key partner to engineering, finance, program management, and cost engineering teams, you will influence critical business decisions, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure project profitability objectives are achieved from concept development through production launch and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Total Production Cost (TPC) Management & Forecasting

• Lead the consolidation and management of Total Production Cost forecasts from project initiation through Start of Production (SOP) and mass production.
• Ensure cost forecasts remain accurate and aligned with project scope, design evolution, and business objectives.
• Perform cost assessments during early development phases using preliminary product and program inputs.
• Analyze and benchmark TPC performance against established vehicle targets and comparable programs.
• Serve as the primary cost performance contact for project teams, providing guidance, insights, and challenge where necessary.
• Monitor production cost performance throughout the product lifecycle and develop forward-looking cost projections using key business drivers, including commodity trends, foreign exchange forecasts, and operational efficiency initiatives.

Design-to-Cost Leadership

• Drive Design-to-Cost activities from advanced development through tooling release and program execution.
• Facilitate recurring cross-functional reviews that support informed decision-making and cost convergence.
• Ensure Design-to-Cost methodologies and best practices are fully integrated within project development processes.
• Identify and promote cost reduction opportunities by leveraging product, industry, and market knowledge.
• Collaborate with engineering and program stakeholders to balance cost, quality, performance, and customer expectations.

Cost Target Development & Competitive Benchmarking

• Support the establishment of competitive production cost targets based on industry benchmarking and market analysis.
• Partner with Cost Engineering teams to develop robust Should-Cost models and cost-saving strategies.li>
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations that support target-setting activities and business case development.
• Track progress toward cost objectives and engage stakeholders to proactively address gaps and drive corrective actions.
• Challenge and support project teams in achieving alignment between production costs and financial targets.

Financial Governance & Process Excellence

• Ensure compliance with established financial, accounting, and cost management standards.
• Support profitability assessments and business case evaluations in partnership with finance and commercial teams.
• Develop, standardize, and continuously improve cost forecasting methodologies, processes, and reporting tools.
• Provide clear and actionable cost performance reporting to leadership and key stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering or Accounting/Finance/Business
• A minimum of 5 years of Forecasting/budgeting experience
• Strong experience in cost analysis, product costing, manufacturing finance, program controls, or related disciplines.
• Understanding of vehicle systems, powertrain technologies, manufacturing processes, and product development lifecycle.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and technical data.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive performance through collaboration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, business case development, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and cost management/reporting tools preferred.

Our Benefits — Designed With You In Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage

From your very first day, you’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage — ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected. Also, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support for personal and professional challenges, always ready when you need it.

Family Building Benefit

We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Generous Paid Time Off

We believe in work-life balance. That’s why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

We Help You Plan For The Future With

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans
• An employer contribution, even if you don’t contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Benefit from both employer-provided and voluntary plan offerings, including life insurance, group accident, critical illness, etc. - supporting the needs of you and your family and ensuring peace of mind.

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Eligible employees and their immediate families can participate in the company vehicle lease program, providing access to Stellantis vehicles with insurance, maintenance, and unlimited miles included. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back

• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!

When you join us, you’re not just building a career — you’re joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.

At Stellantis, we assess candidates based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from all people without regard to sex, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any characteristic protected by law. We believe that diverse teams reflect our identity as a global company, enabling us to better address the evolving needs of our customers and care for our future.

EOE / Disability / Veteran