Cost Modeling Product Engineering Specialist

Location: LAKE FOREST, IL, US,

Work Location Type: Hybrid

W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award‑winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models.

In the High‑Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment,  offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and  offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $67,300.00 – $. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 5 % or $ , based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members’ individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full‑time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents.

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above.

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

The Cost Modeling Product Engineer Specialist evaluates products and develops should‑cost models using an understanding of product materials and manufacturing processes. This role researches manufacturing methods and applies scaling across similar processes and materials to align cost models with comparable items within a product category. Applies analytical insights that support sourcing decisions and supplier negotiations, serving as a technical expert on item level cost models.

Contributes to broader analytical work streams, including commodity association insights, manufacturing process documentation, procurement reviews, and scaling models used by Supplier Management and Global Sourcing to inform cost, risk, and quality decisions.

You will report to thte Manager, Cost Modeling Engineering.

This is a hybrid position that is based onsite in Lake Forest 3 days a week.

This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future. Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g. OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.

• Disassemble finished products to identify components and develop detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Research cost inputs including raw materials, labor, manufacturing processes, machine utilization, and tooling requirements.
• Develop and update…