Cost Estimator

Cost Engineer

Automotive Conversions (Metals Focus)

- 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 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