Calculation & Target Costing Engineer

Carcoustics USA Inc is seeking a Calculation & Target Costing Engineer to help shape cost models that support profitable growth in its automotive acoustic and thermal management programs. Based in Howell, Michigan (onsite, in-person), this role supports quotations, evaluates manufacturing and design options, and drives target costing initiatives for new and existing business.

Role overview

The Calculation & Target Costing Engineer develops accurate product cost calculations, supports quotation activities, and drives target costing initiatives. Working cross-functionally, the role evaluates designs, material and manufacturing costs, and tooling or automation investments to align with profitability objectives across the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost calculations for customer quotations, new business opportunities, and product changes.
• Create and maintain target cost models for automotive acoustic and thermal management products.
• Analyze bills of materials (BOMs), raw materials, purchased components, labor, overhead, tooling, packaging, and logistics costs.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes including thermoforming, injection molding, assembly, and automated production systems.
• Support RFQ activities by providing timely, accurate, and competitive cost estimates.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering and Process Engineering teams to optimize designs for cost and manufacturability.
• Partner with Purchasing to review supplier quotations and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Perform cost benchmarking studies and competitive analyses.
• Support value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve target costs.
• Develop financial justifications and ROI analyses for tooling, equipment, and automation investments.
• Monitor actual manufacturing costs against quoted assumptions and identify improvement opportunities.
• Maintain costing databases, cost standards, assumptions, and calculation methodologies.
• Prepare professional reports and presentations for management review and business case evaluations.
• Participate in cross-functional program reviews and support successful product launches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in product costing, target costing, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, estimating, or financial analysis within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automotive OEM or Tier 1 suppliers preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including: thermoforming, injection molding, assembly operations, automation systems, and tooling and capital equipment.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems and cost modeling tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Technologies

• Microsoft Excel
• ERP systems
• CAD models
• SAP
• Power BI

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 5% Match
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Location and reporting

• Location: Howell, Michigan
• Department: Engineering
• Reports to: Head of Process Engineering Americas
• Travel: None
• Work location: In person

Compensation

• Salary: USD $75,000 - $90,000 per year