At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse costs and develop efficient production processes for precision-engineered components.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing firm focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Make an impact in precision engineering while honing your skills in cost analysis.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in CNC machining or cost engineering required.
ob Title: Cost Engineer
Department
Engineering / Commercial
Reports To
Engineering Manager / Operations Director
Job Summary
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.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Estimation & Quotation
- 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.
Process Engineering
- 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.
CNC Milling & Turning
- 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.
Materials & Treatments
- 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.
Analysis & Reporting
- 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.
Cross-Functional Support
- 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.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Experience within 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.
Key Skills
- Manufacturing cost analysis
- CNC machining knowledge
- Process planning
- Engineering drawing interpretation
- Material selection and costing
- Heat treatment and surface treatment knowledge
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Commercial awareness
- Attention to detail
- Supplier management
- Time estimation and capacity planning
- Communication and stakeholder management
Performance Measures
- Quotation accuracy
- Cost estimate accuracy versus actual production costs
- Profitability of awarded work
- Response time for quotations
- Process improvement savings achieved
- On-time completion of costing activities
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Location: [Insert Location]
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary for this role in Tewkesbury
For a Cost Engineer focused on CNC milling, turning, material treatments, process planning, and component costing in the Tewkesbury/Gloucestershire area, I would recommend the following salary ranges:
- Junior Cost Engineer (1-3 years' experience): £35,000 - £45,000
- Cost Engineer (3-7 years' experience): £45,000 - £60,000
- Senior Cost Engineer (7+ years' experience): £60,000 - £75,000+
- Principal / Lead Cost Engineer (strategic quotation ownership, customer-facing, aerospace or defence experience): £75,000 - £90,000+highestpayingjobs+1
For a manufacturing business in Tewkesbury producing precision-machined components and requiring expertise in:
- CNC milling and turning
- Material selection and costing
- Heat treatment and surface finishing
- Process routing and manufacturing engineering
- Customer quotations and margin analysis
This range should be competitive enough to attract candidates from aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, and precision engineering businesses in the Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Bristol, and Midlands markets.
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Cost engineer in Gloucester employer: Vivo Talent Solutions
Join a dynamic food manufacturing company that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. As an Interim Site Director, you will be part of a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, offering you the chance to make a significant impact while enhancing your leadership skills. With a focus on driving performance and profitability, this role provides unique opportunities for professional growth in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost engineer in Gloucester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Vivo Talent Solutions, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost engineer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Vivo Talent Solutions specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivo Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Vivo Talent Solutions, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Vivo Talent Solutions value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
