Cost Engineer

Ascentec Engineering is hiring! We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will support project planning, cost control, budgeting, and forecasting activities to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. You will collaborate closely with engineers, procurement, and finance to provide accurate cost insights and data-driven recommendations.

The ideal candidate will have a machining background with estimation experience. 

This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets, cost estimates, and forecasts.
• Track actual costs, analyze variances, and provide timely reporting on cost performance.
• Support the creation and evaluation of cost proposals, change orders, and project cash-flow      projections.
• Review engineering drawings, scopes of work, and specifications to create accurate cost models.
• Coordinate with procurement and project teams to ensure accurate cost coding and reporting.
• Prepare cost reports, dashboards, and presentations for project and senior leadership.
• Conduct risk assessments and support contingency planning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts for cost-control processes and tools.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies, industry standards, and project requirements 

Estimating & Quoting:

• Review RFQ's, blueprints, and CAD models to determine machining requirements, tolerances, and critical features. 
• Develop cost breakdowns for each manufacturing operation (CNC milling, turning, deburring, anodizing, etc.).
• Estimate costs for fixtures, tooling, setup, programming, and inspection.
• Identify optimal machining methods, tooling strategies, and machine selection for each part.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering (MFE) and CAM teams to validate cycle times and setup assumptions.
• Recommend design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements to reduce cost and improve throughput.
• Obtain and validate material, hardware, and outside process costs.
• Partner with Business Development and Program Management to support customer discussions and negotiations.
• Generate formal quotations using Epicor and/or Paperless systems, ensuring alignment with company margin and profitability targets.

Cost Review:

• Review and validate key cost inputs, including cycle times, labor standards, scrap rates, and material yields.
• Track and analyze cost performance on awarded jobs to refine estimating models and improve future quote accuracy.
• Support make-vs-buy decisions through cost analysis.
• Identify and recommend cost reduction opportunities through process improvements, technology upgrades, and supplier optimization.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to assess cost impacts of design changes or process improvements.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPI's) to measure and drive cost efficiency.
• Prepare cost reports summarizing performance by part number, customer, or work center.
• Support financial planning and budgeting efforts with accurate cost data, assumptions, and forecasts.
• Recommend design or process changes that lower cost while maintaining or improving quality, delivery, and safety standards. 
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.
• 2-5 years of experience in cost engineering, project controls, or estimating.
• Background in machining required.
• Estimation experience required.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Proficiency with cost-management or project-control software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Primavera, Ares Prism).
• Advanced Excel skills: experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

Compensation / Benefits:

•  $85,000 to $100,000 annual salary DOE
•  Paid time off / Holiday pay
•  Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
•  Short- and long-term disability coverage
•  401(k) with matching funds
•  Profit sharing eligibility
•  Educational aid program availability

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.