Cost Engineer
Location: Durham
Contract Type: Permanent / Full Time
Closing Date: Mar 31st, 2026
Ref: 1650022
Wolviston Management Services are delighted to be supporting our amazing client in the appointment of a Cost Engineer to join their growing operation.
This is a strategically important role, sitting at the heart of the commercial and engineering interface. You will take ownership of RFQ costing activity end-to-end, developing robust, transparent and commercially aligned cost models that underpin competitive, confident quotations.
This opportunity would suit an analytically strong, commercially aware Cost Engineer who enjoys working cross-functionally and influencing decision-making through clear financial insight.
The Role As Cost Engineer, you will lead the full RFQ costing process from initial review through to final commercial submission.
Working closely with Engineering, NPI, Manufacturing and Commercial teams, you will convert technical detail into clear, traceable and commercially robust cost models aligned to plant capability and business strategy.
You will play a key role in shaping how opportunities are assessed, priced and won.
Key Responsibilities - Lead RFQ costing end-to-end, from technical review to final submission
- Interpret CAD, drawings and technical specifications to define scope and cost drivers
- Collaborate with Engineering and NPI teams to develop tooling concepts, cycle times and process assumptions
- Challenge and validate cross-functional inputs to ensure feasibility and commercial accuracy
- Build transparent cost models linking engineering assumptions to commercial outcomes
- Provide clear visibility of risk, opportunity and margin drivers to support decision-making
- Contribute to continuous improvement in costing methodology and commercial governance
About You We are seeking an experienced Cost Engineer or Cost Estimator with a background in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments.
You will be confident interpreting technical data and translating it into structured, traceable and commercially sound cost models.
You will demonstrate:
- Proven experience in cost estimating or cost engineering within manufacturing
- Strong understanding of pressings, welded assemblies, tooling concepts, cycle times and process feasibility
- Ability to interpret 2D and 3D CAD drawings and technical documentation
- A methodical, analytical approach with strong commercial awareness
- Confidence working cross-functionally and explaining cost drivers to engineering, finance and commercial stakeholders
