Turning Point Search is seeking an individual for direct hire with our client in Troy, MI. Our client is a global, Tier One full-service supplier that provides metal stamping, modular weld assemblies, BIW structures and components to international automotive manufacturers. The company’s core competencies include technical development, design, program management, forming, joining, and surface treatment. We are looking for a candidate to fulfill the role of Cost Estimator - reporting to the Department of Engineering.
The “title” of this role is Cost Estimator, but it is unique in that the manager is looking for someone with a strong background in automotive stamping die and tooling design. The ideal candidate will "be able to look at a request for stamped components to determine stable, optimized processes for how to manufacture them." They will then take that information and assemble the cost estimate structure. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of assembly processes who can begin right from determining the strip layout for each component of each part - and take it through the steps of the manufacturing process. This person will understand the welding requirements, cycle times, cost of equipment, cost of tooling. The person will need to understand all of this detail in order to compile the cost estimation model. The candidate that performs this role should be well versed in Excel and working with cost data. Also, if a product is complex and sophisticated, this role will have a team of people who will help (Process Planner and Simulation Specialist).
Responsibilities
- Reviews 2D part drawings & 3D part data to determine whether the company is capable of producing part/component based on customer quality requirements.
- Prepares blank layout of part, determining best material utilization, type and cost of material required and establishing tonnage of press required to produce part.
- Estimates number of parts produced per hour, based on method plan and press selection.
- Compiles die details into Tooling calculator to determine appropriate die costing to be used in quotation.
- Determines whether surface treatment, (ie: galvanizing, paint, etc.), assembly processes and/or Bought in Parts, (BIP’s) are required and initiates the communication requests for inter-departmental support services to provide cost and/or process details, needed for input into quotation.
- Compiles all required documentation and generates cost estimation structure in CES (Cost Estimation System), based on all data obtained.
- Submits quotation to Cost Estimation Supervisor for review and preliminary approval, before final acceptance by customer team.
- Liaises with vendors as required, to provide technical input if necessary.
- Utilizes the experience and expertise of cross-functional team members to ensure best costs and productivity requirements are achieved.
- Occasionally visits potential suppliers to view processes for capability and product quality, within the standards set by the company.
- Participates on APQP activities.
- Participates in COC (Comparison of Cost) review meetings, providing input and receiving feedback on new & re-issued quotations.
- Provides training to selected internal employees on quotation process and prepares handout material as required.
Accountability – is accountable in areas of:
- Successful implementation of calculated tooling and gauge costs.
- Ensuring tooling and fixtures meets quality, productivity, reliability and cost requirements.
- Accuracy and completeness of recommendation summary.
- Meeting RFQ timing requirements within his/her boundaries of control.
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years experience in the automotive industry with a solid background knowledge of complex, metal stamping die build concepts.
- Existing experience estimating costs of dies, fixtures and modular assemblies.
- Sound working knowledge of production equipment and the manufacturing processes for welding, riveting and automation.
- Sound understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, TS 16949 and ISO 14001 requirements.
- Working knowledge of Advanced Quality Planning processes.
- Excellent blue-print reading ability.
- Experience working with 3D, Solid Modelling CAD Software, capable to understand and work with Cad Data part files and drawings.
Education
- University Degree or College Diploma in the Engineering field or equivalent job related experience.
- Minimum 5 years experience as Tool & Die Maker and/ or stamping die design experience.