Cost engineer

ob

Title:

Cost Engineer
Department

Engineering / Commercial

Engineering Manager / Operations Director

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Cost Engineer to support the quotation, costing, and process planning activities for precision-engineered components. The successful candidate will be responsible for analysing manufacturing requirements, developing cost models, estimating machining times, assessing material and treatment costs, and defining efficient production processes for components manufactured through CNC milling and turning operations.

The role requires a strong understanding of machining processes, material specifications, heat and surface treatments, manufacturing methods, and cost analysis to ensure accurate quotations and profitable production.

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for manufactured components from customer drawings, models, and specifications.
• Develop detailed cost breakdowns including:
  • Raw materials
  • CNC milling operations
  • CNC turning operations
  • Tooling requirements
  • Heat treatment processes
  • Surface finishing and coatings
  • Inspection and quality requirements
  • Packaging and logistics costs
• Support the preparation of customer quotations and tender submissions.
• Analyse margin opportunities and identify cost reduction initiatives.

• Define manufacturing routes and production processes for new and existing components.
• Determine optimum sequence of operations to achieve quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Establish cycle times for machining operations using machining data and industry standards.
• Recommend suitable machine tools, cutting tools, fixtures, and production methods.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.

• Review component designs for manufacturability.
• Assess machining requirements for:
  • 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC milling
  • CNC turning and mill-turn operations
  • Multi-operation component manufacture
• Calculate machining times based on:
  • Material type
  • Surface finish requirements
  • Tolerance requirements
  • Tool paths and cutting data
• Identify opportunities to optimise machining strategies and reduce cycle times.

• Evaluate raw material requirements and costs.
• Maintain knowledge of engineering materials including:
  • Aluminium alloys
  • Stainless steels
  • Carbon steels
  • Titanium alloys
  • Nickel-based alloys
  • Brass and copper alloys
  • Engineering plastics
• Assess and cost external processing requirements including:
  • Heat treatment
  • Hardening
  • Nitriding
  • Anodising
  • Plating
  • Powder coatingPassivation
  • Painting
  • Shot blasting and finishing processes
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing.

• Maintain and improve manufacturing cost models and databases.
• Analyse actual production costs versus estimates.
• Investigate cost variances and provide recommendations.
• Generate reports and KPIs relating to profitability, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Support budget planning and capital investment evaluations.

• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Sales teams.
• Provide technical support during customer reviews and project kick-off meetings.
• Assist with new product introduction (NPI) activities.
• Support value engineering and design-for-manufacture initiatives.

• Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a manufacturing, machining, or cost engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC milling and CNC turning processes.
• Experience costing precision-machined components.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems.

• Experience with in aerospace, defence, oil & gas, automotive, medical, or precision engineering sectors.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAM systems.
• Experience with process planning and routing development.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.

• Manufacturing cost analysis
• CNC machining knowledge
• Process…