Cost Engineer

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Position Overview

The Cost Engineer applies advanced cost engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain expertise to drive structural cost reduction across Lead-Acid and Lithium-ion battery platforms. The position develops and deploys part-level should-cost models, commodity cost intelligence, and target cost frameworks across lead-acid active materials, Li-ion pack systems, and manufacturing processes.

This position partners closely with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Strategic Sourcing to enable Design-to-Cost (DTC) decisions early in the product lifecycle and to engage suppliers in transparent, fact-based cost discussions. Recognized as a subject matter expert, this role influences sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, and new product programs across Trojan Battery and C&D Technologies.

Areas of Focus

The ideal candidate will possess: (1) extensive experience in cost engineering, cost estimation, and cost control within battery manufacturing, energy storage, automotive, or related industrial fields; (2) hands-on experience working with global suppliers of battery raw materials and components (e.g., lead, lithium compounds, nickel, cobalt, graphite, separators, plastics, sheet metal); (3) strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to identify key factors; (4) superior project management, collaboration, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

Cost Engineering & Analysis

Develop part-level and system-level should-cost models for Lead-Acid and Li-ion battery components

Direct materials (Cabinet/Racks, Separators, Plastics, Lead Terminals, Chemicals, Li-ion battery packs, cathode/anode materials) and MRO

Battery management systems (BMS), modules, and packs

Build commodity-level cost intelligence covering raw materials, conversion costs, yield losses, scrap, and energy consumption.

Create and maintain target cost frameworks aligned with product roadmaps, volume ramps, and margin objectives.

Design-to-Cost & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Product Engineering and Manufacturing to influence design decisions through Design-to-Cost (DTC) initiatives.

Support value engineering and process optimization efforts focused on manufacturability, automation, yield improvement, and capital efficiency.

Provide cost guidance during new product introduction (NPI), technology transitions, and platform refreshes.

Supplier Engagement & Negotiations

Interface directly with commodity managers to develop mutually agreed-upon cost models to understand cost drivers for use in pricing negotiations and ongoing cost reduction activities.

Act as a lead or key contributor in supplier negotiations related to cost, productivity, and long-term agreements

Analyze supplier quotations and identify cost drivers (materials, labor, overheads, tooling, logistics, profit margins).

Process Improvement & Governance

Implement Power BI dashboards to focus on spend management

Review existing cost management processes and implement improvements to drive standardization, transparency, and repeatability.

Contribute insights on contract performance, cost trends, and market dynamics to inform sourcing strategies and contract renewals.

Leadership & Knowledge Development

Develop new cost tools, digital models, and virtual production simulations to improve cost visibility and decision-making

Facilitate training on cost tools

Manage and coordinate with external consultants supporting cost modeling or benchmarking efforts.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, or related field

5-10 year track record of success in Cost Engineering

Strong Excel and cost management system experience

Experience and demonstrated skill in establishing criteria for cost management activities.

Demonstrated skill in identifying, analyzing, and solving problems driven by data.

Must have excellent communication and presentation skills to combine sound analytical cost engineering principles with the ability to summarize, reach appropriate conclusions, and present to management teams.

Ability to travel as needed

Proactive, results-oriented, and have strong attention to detail.

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