Job Description
The full job description covers all associated skills, previous experience, and any qualifications that applicants are expected to have.
Cost EngineerAutomotive Conversions (Metals Focus)
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* Initially a 3 - 6 month contract, potetnial to go permanent
* Hybrid working (mostly WFH, with an "as and when" requirement to attend site).
* Travel and hotels are paid for by the company when onsite working is required.
* Office is located in Pontypool, South Wales.
Overview
We are recruiting a Cost Engineer to support specialist low-volume automotive conversion programmes. This role sits at the intersection of engineering detail and commercial decision-making, with a particular emphasis on metal components and tooling.
The role has high visibility, close stakeholder access, and genuine influence over programme cost, supplier strategy, and design decisions.
Key Responsibilities
* Build detailed cost breakdowns for conversion parts, assemblies, and tooling
* Develop and maintain cost models across metal components (fabrication, machining, tooling, finishes)
* Support Engineering teams with cost insight to optimise designs for manufacture and assembly
* Compare target costs vs supplier quotations, identifying gaps, risks, and cost-reduction opportunities
* Partner closely with Procurement and Supply Chain to challenge supplier assumptions and validate pricing
* Track cost impacts arising from design changes, supplier changes, and low-volume production effects
* Maintain accurate cost data throughout the product development and conversion lifecycle
* Support ongoing seating programme activity with structured cost analysis
Required Background
* Strong exposure to metal components and metal manufacturing processes (essential)
* Degree-qualified Engineer (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials or similar)
* Proven experience xsngvjr in cost engineering / cost analysis / should-costing
* Understanding of automotive manufacturing, tooling, and supply chain cost drivers
* Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical data
* Strong Excel capability and a structured, analytical mindset
* Confident communicator able to work across Engineering, Procurement, and Finance
Desirable Experience
* Automotive seating, interiors, or structural components
* Low-volume or specialist vehicle programmes
* Supplier cost negotiation and value engineering activity