Seat (armrests) Project Cost Engineer

The Cost Engineering Expert specialized in seat components with a primary focus on Armrests (front, rear, and integrated center console systems)— eads cost analysis, estimation, and optimization activities across multiple automotive programs. This role requires a deep understanding of armrest design, mechanisms, manufacturing processes, and cost structures, alongside the ability to manage complex cost models and collaborate within global cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead detailed cost models for seat components, specializing in complete Armrest assemblies (including structures, foam, trim cover, mechanisms, and integrated electronics).
• Estimate variable and tooling costs for automotive armrest and seating components across different program phases.
• Perform should-cost analysis, supplier cost breakdowns, and benchmarking activities specifically targeting armrest architectures.
• Analyze and validate Bill of Materials (BOM) and identify key cost drivers for plastics, substrates, and kinematics.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes relevant to armrests, such as plastic injection molding, foaming, cutting & sewing, wrapping/binding, and final assembly.
• Support RFQs, sourcing strategies, and supplier negotiations for armrest programs.
• Drive design-to-cost and VA/VE initiatives for armrest optimization in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Manage cost tracking across multiple programs simultaneously, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
• Support NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) and tooling cost analysis and injection mold investment evaluations.
• Collaborate with global teams across engineering, purchasing, finance, and program management.

Technical Scope Cost engineering activities focused on Armrests and related seat subsystems:

• Armrest Sub-assemblies: Front center armrests, rear seat fold-down armrests, and door-mounted armrest interfaces.
• Mechanisms & Kinematics: Latch mechanisms, hinges, slide runners, cupholder integrations, and height adjusters.
• Foam & Trim: Soft-touch foam pad molding, skin wrapping (fabric, leather, synthetic vinyl), and stitching.
• Plastics & Structure: Core substrates, structural plastic housings, fasteners, and decorative/chrome trim components.
• Electronics: Integrated USB ports, heating modules, and ambient lighting components inside the armrest unit.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, or Business.
• Experience: Proven expert-level experience in cost engineering, design, release, manufacturing, or processing roles within the automotive industry.
• Domain Expertise: Solid experience developing variable costs and tooling costs for automotive interior or seating components (armrests, consoles, or instrument panels preferred).
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Strong understanding of automotive plastic injection molding, foam molding, textile wrapping, and vehicle development processes.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail and ability to manage multiple programs and cost breakdowns simultaneously.
• Languages: Advanced English (written and oral for global cross-functional communication).

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.