Product Cost Engineer

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £ There are no limits to where you can take your career.

We are looking for someone who is analytical, detail-oriented, and driven, and who enjoys networking. You will be responsible for controlling project product costs and collaborating with the product development team throughout various phases. This involves gathering data from multiple internal functions and creating your own estimates—with input from production, design, procurement, and material specialists.

In this role, it is important to compare options, evaluate alternatives, and draw conclusions that are clearly communicated to relevant stakeholders. With your analytical skills, you will identify cost drivers and lead improvement initiatives.

The assignment also includes developing our working methods, creating and updating cost calculation models and templates together with the Product Cost Team.

In the role of Product Cost Engineer, you act as a project leader within product cost management and provide support with cost calculations and analyses. You will primarily work in project form, supported by a dedicated product cost team consisting of other cost engineers working on their respective assignments.

Act as project leader for product cost management

Support with product cost calculations and analyses

Responsible for controlling project product costs

Collaborate with the product development team throughout project phases

Collect data from various internal functions and, when necessary, create your own estimates with input from production, design, procurement, and material specialists

Compare options, evaluate alternatives, draw conclusions, and communicate clearly

Compare estimates and actual outcomes against targets

Compile, analyse, identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities, and drive improvements

Develop working methods, create and update cost calculation models and templates together with the Product Cost Team

Participate in early design discussions to ensure cost considerations are integrated from the outset.

Develop and implement effective cost-out measures in close alignment with cross-functional teams (e.g., R&T, Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing).

Work across product lines to leverage overlaps and share learnings, enhancing overall team performance.

Collaborate with supply chain functions and global teams for horizontal deployment of solutions.

General:

Must possess a level of technical expertise especially in the Aerospace industry and in the functional area the project/programme is responsible for product cost, to successfully support the tasks in the work package of the programme.

Must possess a high level of technical problem-solving skills.

Essential:

Holds Bachelors / Masters in Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering.

10+ years of relevant experience gained within an engineering discipline, ideally within an aerospace environment and in multi-disciplinary engineering project teams (Design, MRO, Manufacturing/ Industrialization).

Knowledge/experience in manufacturing processes and design work

Interest and understanding of what drives product cost

Proactive, collaborative, and experienced in project management

Strong skills in Microsoft Office and Excel

Experience in gas/ steam turbine and/ or generator Core commodities is preferred

VA/VE experience in different industries is a plus.

Experience in technical and cost optimization for new developments is a plus.

Relevant technical product knowledge in Core Commodities is required.

You are curious, learn fast, pro-active, and driven by results

Working experience in Should costing

Very good knowledge on Manufacturing process

Ability to do Cost analysis using manufacturing knowledge.

Engineering drawing interpretation knowledge.

Ability to identify and deploy process improvements.

Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate project status

Ability to describe and present technical information to a wide audience at equivalent levels within the engineering business.

Able to promote Lean Principles including leading Continuous Improvement ideas ("CI")

Demonstrates good mentoring & technical knowledge transfer as part of day-to-day activities.

Demonstrates a commercial awareness to be able to analyse customer requirements.

Desirable:

Awareness of other functions (Operations, Production, Supplier Management).

Able to support budget compliance of the own activities.

Worked in cross-cultural teams.

Good communication skills in English both oral and written

Ability to work as a team player in a fast paced and deadline driven environment

Personal Attributes:

Be capable of:

Contribute to teams through change activities, ensuring continuous two way communication.

Focus on continuous improvement and problem solving.

Commit to relationship building with customers and colleagues.

Work effectively with diverse groups of people.

Consistently demonstrate the following attributes and values:

Recognise what people need from you and respond flexibly.

Demonstrates interpersonal sensitivity.

Builds confidence in others.

Hunger for continuous learning, growth and curiosity.

Stretch out of comfort zone.

Challenge assumptions and hearsay, and look for evidence.

Trusts people to do their job.

Personal knowledge:

Knows what drives profit within their business area.

Knows the key stakeholders.

In depth knowledge of own industry and customers.

We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​
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