Cost Planning Principal Engineer

Honda Dev. and Mfg. of Am.,LLC•Raymond, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cost Planning Principal Engineer helps Honda achieve its business targets by determining whether part and system designs are cost-competitive and provide reasonable value. The role develops a deep understanding of the Design Category’s cost situation, identifies concerns with cost accuracy or efficiency, and recommends cost-reduction and optimization options. It requires sufficient technical knowledge to assess cost drivers and judge the reasonableness of part and system costs and investments. The engineer generates cost estimates from part characteristics and manufacturing processes, works with Design, Purchasing, and suppliers to understand technology and sourcing strategies, and develops proposals for design optimization. The role verifies cost targets and their assumptions, establishes paths for achieving validated targets, supports design maturation, and proposes solutions when individual parts cannot meet targets. It also leads cost discussions at layout checks, drawing checks, and correlation events, and supports cost and investment discussions and cost-related research themes. This is an onsite role. One remote workday per week may be possible with prior departmental approval.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM field.
At least 8 years of experience combining product development and design team leadership.
Technical expertise in part materials and manufacturing processes.
Ability to assess whether a design is optimized for cost or investment, particularly in chassis and testing, including test validation, risk assessment, design changes, and validation requirements related to changes.
Basic working knowledge of CATIA, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint for analysis, reporting, and presentations.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Automotive industry experience.

Responsibilities

Generate accurate cost estimates based on part characteristics and manufacturing processes.
Consult with Design, Purchasing, and suppliers to understand technology applications and purchasing strategies and their impact on cost.
Develop cost-optimization proposals using experience, logic, and comparative analysis.
Identify opportunities for consolidation and bundling to improve sourcing cost structure, and share insights with Purchasing.
Verify the reasonableness of cost targets by examining the logic and assumptions used to establish them.
Raise concerns when targets cannot be logically validated and prepare justified alternative solutions.
Develop a reasonable path for achieving part-by-part targets and verify that designs are maturing accordingly.
Propose solutions to balance overall unit costs when certain parts cannot meet their targets.
Lead cost discussions at layout checks, drawing checks, and correlation events; provide guidance and insights to resolve difficulties.
Summarize correlation-event results and report them at the Group Maru-Q event.
Attend and support discussions concerning part costs and investments.
Provide a business perspective on cost-related Research Themes and consult with Procurement to review quotes for accuracy and business benefit.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

Competitive base salary, based on factors including geographic location and work experience.
Paid overtime.
Regional bonus, when applicable.
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefit plans.
Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and shutdown.
Company-paid short-term and long-term disability.
401(k) plan with company match and additional contribution.
Relocation assistance, if eligible.
Advancement opportunities and career mobility.
Education reimbursement for continued learning.
Training and development programs.
Tuition assistance and student loan repayment.
Lifestyle account.
Childcare reimbursement account.
Elder care support.
Wellbeing program.
Community service and engagement programs.
Product programs.