Cost Estimator

Ford • Dearborn, MI

52d • $86,600 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Pricing Analyst/Cost Estimator within FCSD, you will be a critical link in Ford’s service parts supply chain. You will be responsible for ensuring cost integrity and maximizing profitability by developing data-driven pricing strategies and "should-cost" models. This role requires a unique blend of technical manufacturing knowledge, financial acumen, and the ability to navigate the complexities of low-volume automotive service environments. You will act as a consultant to both internal purchasing teams and external suppliers to justify cost adjustments in an evolving global market.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Engineering, Technology, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in pricing, cost estimating, or financial analysis.
• Direct experience in a manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with corporate purchasing systems (e.g., SAP/Aurora) is a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites or manufacturing facilities.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science or Master of Arts in Engineering, Technology, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• A self-starter with management aspirations and a willingness to rotate through Purchasing or other functional areas to gain a holistic view of the business.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the validity of automotive supplier part pricing, tooling, packaging, and contract requests, specifically tailored to low-volume service requirements.
• Develop and maintain "should-cost" estimates to provide a baseline for negotiations and financial planning.
• Calculate and explain pricing adjustments resulting from changes in manufacturing processes, volume fluctuations, and macroeconomic factors like inflation.
• Analyze large, complex, and sometimes incomplete data sets to extrapolate trends, establish facts, and draw actionable conclusions.
• Present and defend cost changes to internal and external stakeholders who may have competing agendas, ensuring transparency and alignment with Ford’s financial goals.
• Data mine public indexes (e.g., steel, plastic, labor indices) to anticipate market shifts and their impact on the supply base.
• Foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, including stamping, machining, injection molding, casting, and assembly.
• Ability to analyze how the transition from high-volume production to low-volume service impacts unit costs and overhead absorption.
• Strong ability to define problems, collect relevant data, and establish valid conclusions in "grey space" environments with minimal direction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate technical cost data into clear business narratives.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (data modeling, pivot tables) and PowerPoint. Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level