Manufacturing Cost Estimation Manager

American Rheinmetall•Plymouth, MI

About The Position

THE MANUFACTURING COST ESTIMATION MANAGER LEADS THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION OF COST MODELING AND MANUFACTURING PLANNING FOR MACHINED AND FABRICATED COMPONENTS IN SUPPORT OF NEW DEFENSE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. THIS ROLE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING AND STANDARDIZING DETAILED COST ESTIMATION MODELS, ENSURING ACCURATE LABOR, MATERIAL, AND OVERHEAD CALCULATIONS, AND SERVING AS A CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LIAISON BETWEEN ENGINEERING, FINANCE, SUPPLY CHAIN, AND OPERATIONS. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN DRIVING MANUFACTURABILITY, COST-EFFICIENCY, AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSAL PRICING THROUGHOUT THE LIFECYCLE OF R&D AND PROTOTYPE PROGRAMS.

Requirements

Proficiency with cost modeling, process routings, and manufacturing economics Experience with writing/deriving software level requirements using system/subsystem specifications
Working knowledge of CAD tools, PLM (Teamcenter), and ERP/MRP systems.
Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to present complex cost data to executives and customers.
Practical ‘hands on’ attitude with the ability to operate independently
Familiarity with defense manufacturing requirements and DoD proposal cycles.
U.S. Citizenship required; must be eligible for a U.S. Secret security clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.

Nice To Haves

Experience with defense and military standards (e.g., MIL-STD, DFARS).
Experience supporting new product development in a DoD or government-funded environment.
Master’s degree or MBA with a focus on operations, engineering, or cost analysis.
HIL/SIL experience
Exposure to digital manufacturing, model-based definition (MBD), or digital twin strategies.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and present comprehensive manufacturing cost models for machined, welded, and fabricated components.
Lead and coordinate cost estimation input for IRAD programs, CRADAs, and proposal efforts in collaboration with engineering, finance, and business development teams.
Partner with design and manufacturing teams to implement design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles and ensure cost-effective production strategies.
Work with supply chain and program management to evaluate make-buy scenarios, perform should-cost analysis, and support vendor cost assessments.
Track and report IRAD and CRADA project budgets, schedule adherence, and technical performance metrics.
Perform and document analysis of requirements development and adherence.
Provide strategic guidance for manufacturing process development, including routing plans, cycle times, and resource requirements Support the Software Verification team by ensuring software requirements are testable.
Lead manufacturing engineering input into new product proposals, bid & proposal packages, and customer cost volumes.
Evaluate requirement management tools for their efficiency and viability within the software requirements team.
Contribute to long-term technology and manufacturing planning, ensuring cost competitiveness for advanced defense platforms.
Mentor junior cost estimators and engineers on best practices for cost modeling and manufacturing analysis.