Remote Cost Engineering Manager – Mexico Team Lead

Rivian; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Rivian seeks a Manager, Cost Engineering to lead a Remote Mexico Cost Engineers team from Irvine, CA. You will recruit, build, and guide a direct-hire team, developing full-vehicle bottom-up cost estimation and driving engineering change costing in collaboration with US-based engineering and manufacturing partners.

You will mentor staff, manage milestones, and integrate advanced tools while aligning with global cost engineering priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Systems, Electrical), Supply Chain, or a related field required
• 2+ years of team leadership experience preferred
• 6+ years of relevant experience at an OEM, Tier 1 Manufacturer, Contract Manufacturer, Consumer Electronics, or similar company.
• Proven experience in manufacturing processes to support cost model development of lighting components, electrical motors, connectors, displays, wiring harnesses, PCBA-based electrical components, or semiconductor fabrication.
• Proficiency navigating CAD models in CATIA or similar software.
• Ability to interpret and understand design and manufacturing drawings.
• Practical knowledge of Value Analysis/Value Engineering techniques and strong understanding of financial principles.
• Detail-oriented, flexible, and resilient entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to thrive in a start-up environment.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication and collaboration skills and a proven ability to add value to meetings and briefings.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Talent Acquisition to interview, hire, and onboard a high-performing team of full-time, direct-hire Cost Engineers based in Mexico.
• Proactively manage task completion and regularly update cross-functional teams on project status, timing, resource allocation, challenges, and the likelihood of on-time, high-quality delivery.
• Define milestones and identify potential risks to ensure timely delivery of cost models within agreed completion dates. Provide seamless coordination and issue resolution between all team members and groups.
• Support the implementation of a comprehensive cost engineering strategic roadmap: develop should-cost models, support tear-down and benchmarking activities, integrate advanced software and tools, and steer cross-functional teams in cost optimization initiatives.
• Establish robust training programs, standardized methodologies, and best practices to upscale team capabilities in full-vehicle Should-Cost modeling.
• Oversee ground-up cost modeling across major vehicle systems to support sustaining programs and change actions.
• Drive agile, accurate evaluation of engineering change requests (ECRs), providing data-backed cost impact assessments to engineering and supply chain leadership.
• Ensure coordination with global cost engineering management on priorities, support, and execution of cost models.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to ensure accurate and timely cost estimates.
• Review and validate cost estimates submitted by team members, ensuring they meet quality standards and align with project goals.
• Cultivate a collaborative and innovative team environment, encourage knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Function as the primary bridge ensuring alignment, clear communication, and seamless workflow integration between remote Mexico employees and US-based onsite engineering/manufacturing teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CATIA

Job description

Rivian seeks a Manager, Cost Engineering to lead a Remote Mexico Cost Engineers team from Irvine, CA. You will recruit, build, and guide a direct-hire team, developing full-vehicle bottom-up cost estimation and driving engineering change costing in collaboration with US-based engineering and manufacturing partners.

You will mentor staff, manage milestones, and integrate advanced tools while aligning with global cost engineering priorities.