Cost Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing (Contract)

Location: Crewe (Hybrid: 2–3 days on-site per week)
Hours: 35 hours per week | Monday to Friday | Core hours 9:30am–2:30pm (flexible start/finish)
Rate: £26.32 – £40.46 per hour (PAYE only)
Contract Duration: Until 31st July 2026 (not expected to extend)
Engagement Type: PAYE (covering a permanent member of staff)

A leading name in the UK’s luxury automotive sector is seeking a Cost Engineer to join its Purchasing team. This is a hybrid, long-term PAYE contract role offering flexibility, the chance to work within a globally recognised organisation, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge product development and cost optimisation initiatives.

The Role

As a Cost Engineer, you’ll be a key part of the value chain – evaluating, analysing, and influencing cost structures for current and future vehicle programmes at both system and component level. You'll work cross-functionally with Purchasing, Engineering, and Programme teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and support sourcing and negotiation strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate product, development, and investment costs for current and future projects

• Drive and support cost reduction initiatives across multiple product platforms

• Analyse supplier quotes and provide cost breakdowns to inform sourcing decisions

• Collaborate with module teams to identify cost risks and opportunities

• Support continuous improvement in costing tools and internal processes

About You

We’re looking for someone with strong cost engineering expertise, ideally within the automotive or advanced manufacturing sectors.

You’ll bring:

• Background in product cost management, estimating, and process planning

• Working knowledge of automotive procurement, cost modelling, and manufacturing techniques

• Experience with lean manufacturing, value analysis/engineering, and cost reduction methods

• Familiarity with component and system manufacturing across the full vehicle

• Ideally, experience using Siemens TcPCM or similar cost analysis tools

Working Environment & Benefits

• 35-hour working week with flexible working hours

• Hybrid working: 2–3 days per week on-site in Crewe

• Access to an innovative and collaborative team within a world-class organisation

• Supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace culture

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a luxury automotive brand as it transitions into a new era of sustainable, electrified mobility.