Costing Engineer (Automotive)

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 (AutoCAD, 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.