Project Cost Engineer (Driveline)

The Project Cost Engineer (PCE) specializing in Powertrain Systems leads technical cost estimation, bottom-up manufacturing analysis, and optimization activities for conventional and electrified propulsion technologies. This role bridges technical engineering design and financial tracking to establish robust variable and tooling should-cost targets. The ideal candidate possesses deep insight into powertrain component architectures, machining, assembly, and casting processes, collaborating tightly within local and global cross-functional product development teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed, activity-based should-cost models for powertrain components and sub-assemblies from engineering drawings, CAD files, and BOMs.
• Estimate technical variable and tooling costs for automotive powertrain systems across multiple program development phases.
• Perform bottom-up cost calculations evaluating material utilization, labor cycles, overhead, cycle times, scrap, and logistics.
• Analyze and validate complex supplier cost breakdowns, supporting technical RFQ reviews and strategic purchasing negotiations.
• Evaluate critical powertrain manufacturing processes including high-pressure die casting, precision machining, forging, heat treatment, stamping, and automated assembly line configurations.
• Drive design-to-cost, weight optimization, and VA/VE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) initiatives alongside component engineering teams.
• Track program costs against strict financial targets and manage multiple component optimization programs simultaneously.
• Review, evaluate, and support capital investment requirements for custom tooling, machining lines, and assembly tooling investments.

Technical Scope Cost engineering activities focused on traditional and electrified Powertrain architectures:

• Engine & Core Subsystems: Cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, camshafts, pistons, valvetrain, and timing drive systems.
• Transmission & Driveline: Gearboxes, housings, transmission gears, shafts, torque converters, differentials, and drive axles.
• Electrification / Hybridization Components: E-motors, e-axles, power electronics housings, and basic auxiliary thermal management integration.
• Air & Exhaust Modules: Intake manifolds, turbochargers, exhaust manifolds, and structural brackets.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Experience: Proven technical experience in cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, processing, or component design/release within the automotive powertrain domain.
• Tooling & Costing Expertise: Solid experience establishing tooling investments (dies, molds, gages) and component piece-costs for powertrain sub-assemblies.
• Process Knowledge: Strong familiarity with metals, metallurgy, heavy precision machining, casting methods, and global automotive product development cycles.
• Analytical Mindset: Exceptional data analysis capabilities with high attention to detail and a track record of handling multiple programs simultaneously.
• Languages: Advanced English language skills (both written and verbal) for frequent communication within a global engineering framework.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience working with Tier 1 Powertrain suppliers or automotive OEMs.
• Prior application of DFMEA, APQP, and standardized VA/VE methodologies to powertrain design change processes.
• Proficiency using advanced cost modeling or parametric costing software tools alongside Microsoft Excel.

SEGULA Technologies is a global engineering group, boosting the competitiveness of all major industrial sectors: automotive, aerospace, energy, rail, naval, life sciences, and telecoms. With a presence in more than 30 countries and 140 locations worldwide, the Group prioritizes close relationships with its clients, driven by the expertise of its 15,000 employees. As a leading engineering player putting innovation at the heart of its strategy, SEGULA Technologies manages large-scale projects, ranging from initial studies to industrialization and production. SEGULA TECHNOLOGIES is dedicated to gender balance and diversity, recognizing and recruiting talent of all backgrounds.