Senior Principal Cost Planning Engineer (Automotive)

Hired; Raymond (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lease car program

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America is seeking a Senior Principal Cost Planning Engineer in Raymond, OH to lead cost strategy for automotive electrical and interior systems.

The role requires evaluating cost competitiveness, directing cost engineering activities, and guiding VA/VE initiatives while collaborating with global teams. Excellent leadership and advanced Excel/CATIA skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in automotive product development and cost planning.
• Proven technical leadership across cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in cost competitiveness and VA/VE approaches.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technical authority evaluating designs, processes and cost drivers.
• Lead cross-functional cost optimization discussions across Design, Cost Planning and Purchasing.
• Define cost targets and approve cost-down proposals.
• Mentor cost engineers in analysis methods and scheduling.
• Coordinate with Honda Japan teams on cost strategies.

Skills

Automotive product development

Cost planning

Technical leadership

Electrical systems expertise

CATIA / Advanced Excel modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

CATIA

Advanced Excel

Job description

• Job Title: Senior Principal Cost Planning Engineer (Automotive)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Location: Raymond, OH, United States

About the Role

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America is seeking a Senior Principal Cost Planning Engineer in Raymond, OH. Serving as senior technical leader, you will evaluate cost competitiveness, lead profit improvement themes, and direct cost engineering strategies for advanced automotive electrical and interior systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technical authority evaluating part designs, manufacturing processes, and cost drivers.
• Lead cross-functional cost optimization discussions aligning Design, Cost Planning, and Purchasing.
• Exercise recommendation authority on the reasonableness of cost targets, VA/VE themes, and cost-down proposals.
• Guide cost engineers on technical analysis methods, issue breakdown, and milestone scheduling.
• Consult with global executive leadership and Honda Japan technical teams to confirm cost strategies.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive Engineering, etc.).
• 15+ years of automotive product development, cost planning, and technical leadership experience.
• Domain expertise in electrical harnesses, BMS, infotainment, or automotive interior systems.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate proposal feasibility, manufacturing economics, and customer value.
• High proficiency in CATIA, advanced Excel modeling, and executive consensus building.

What We Offer

• Executive compensation package including Manager Lease Car Program (vehicle, insurance, maintenance).
• Industry-leading medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match and supplemental contributions.
• Paid vacation, corporate holidays, and annual plant shutdown periods.