Cost Engineer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! _We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business._ **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. #LI-Remote _if you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!_