At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the costing process for automotive projects and create competitive customer quotations.
- Company: Join a leading automotive manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Salary up to £70,000, fully remote work, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Enjoy high autonomy and occasional site visits for collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a commercially critical role with exciting automotive programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost estimation and strong engineering knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Commercial Cost Estimator (Automotive)
Salary: Up to £70,000 + Benefits Location: Remote (UK) Travel: Occasional customer/site visits (a handful of times per year)
I'm currently supporting a leading automotive manufacturer in the search for an experienced Commercial Cost Estimator to join their growing commercial team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who combines strong engineering knowledge with commercial awareness and enjoys turning complex manufacturing requirements into accurate, competitive customer quotations.
Working remotely, you'll lead the costing process for customer RFQs from initial enquiry through to final submission, collaborating with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Finance and Commercial teams to produce robust, commercially viable cost models.
The Role
- Own the end-to-end RFQ costing process from receipt through to approval.
- Interpret customer drawings, CAD models and technical specifications.
- Develop detailed manufacturing cost models covering materials, labour, tooling, logistics and overheads.
- Coordinate technical input from Engineering, Tooling, NPI, Purchasing, MP&L and Quality.
- Validate manufacturing routes, tooling concepts and cycle times.
- Work with suppliers to obtain and evaluate quotations.
- Present profitability, cost breakdowns and commercial assumptions to internal stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate costing records and RFQ documentation.
- Support continuous improvement of costing methodologies and databases.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Cost Estimator, Cost Engineer or Commercial Estimator within automotive or manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as pressings, welded assemblies, tooling and production cost drivers.
- Ability to interpret 2D and 3D CAD drawings (Auto CAD, VISI, Fusion or similar).
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills with experience building detailed cost models.
- Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across engineering and manufacturing functions.
- Knowledge of automotive quality standards including PPAP and IATF 16949 would be advantageous.
- HNC/HND or Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline.
- What's on Offer
- Salary up to £70,000
- Fully remote position
- Excellent work-life balance with only occasional customer/site visits throughout the year
- Opportunity to work on exciting automotive programmes with a well-established manufacturer
- High level of autonomy and ownership within a commercially critical role
If you're an experienced Cost Estimator looking for a flexible, technically challenging role where you can make a genuine commercial impact, I'd be keen to hear from you
Costing Engineer (Automotive) in Birmingham employer: SJR Partners
SJR Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the East Midlands. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, ensuring our team members thrive while delivering impactful infrastructure projects. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your expertise in quantity surveying will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costing Engineer (Automotive) in Birmingham
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Costing Engineer (Automotive) role you’re after at SJR Partners.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at SJR Partners a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at SJR Partners.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Costing Engineer (Automotive) at SJR Partners, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Costing Engineer (Automotive) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Costing Engineer (Automotive), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at SJR Partners a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to SJR Partners specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at SJR Partners
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SJR Partners, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like SJR Partners want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
