Supply Chain Cost Engineer

What to Expect

We are looking for a Supply Chain Cost Engineer who will support the Direct Global Procurement team by developing advanced should-cost models, analytical tools, and systems so we can make first-principles-based decisions on our spend. This role sits at the intersection of Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Design Engineering, and Finance—and will give you broad exposure across different vehicle systems and commodities.

This role demands analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and a relentless focus on delivering measurable cost improvements without compromising quality or performance. We are looking for people who deliver results and raise the bar every day, all at Tesla speed. A successful candidate is technically strong, relentlessly drives out inefficiencies, is innovative, and can communicate complex topics simply. We work hard and operate as one team.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and refine bottom-up should-cost models across different manufacturing processes and products to support procurement strategy, design decisions, make-vs-buy, etc.
• Identify cost drivers across the supply chain—raw materials through manufacturing and logistics—using deep process knowledge of Cap Ex, labor, materials, and other inputs that drive total cost
• Lead value engineering with engineering and supply chain to optimize materials, processes, and designs for cost without sacrificing quality, safety, or performance
• Build and maintain cost and spend databases at Cap Ex and component level for transparent, repeatable visibility
• Partner with program management, engineering, supply chain, and finance to set and hit cost targets from concept through ramp; support NPI and engineering-change cost estimates
• Track program spend, report budget status and variances, standardize cost-down reporting between engineering and finance
• Drive continuous improvement by sharing best practices, building analytical tools, and mentoring on cost engineering methods

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
• 3–5 years of experience in product cost engineering in a fast-paced manufacturing or tech environment; automotive, hardware/tech products, or advanced manufacturing preferred
• Strong analytical skills in cost modeling, financial analysis, and data-driven decisions; proficient in Python, SQL, MATLAB, and/or advanced Excel
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, material costs, and direct procurement; experience in value engineering, lean manufacturing, teardowns, etc., is a plus
• Strong verbal, written, negotiation, and presentation skills; ability to explain complex cost topics simply and influence stakeholders and suppliers
• Proven problem-solver with a results-oriented track record of measurable cost savings; thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with shifting priorities
• Experience with should-costing and visualization tools like a Priori, Tableau, Power BI, etc. is preferred