Lead Cost Engineer

Cost Engineer 2

Published 08.20.2026

Company : Safran Seats Job field : Program & Project Management Office Location : Gainesville , Texas , United States Contract type : Permanent Contract duration : Full-time Required degree : Bachelors Degree Required experience : More than 5 years Professional status : Professional, Engineer & Manager Salary range : Based on market data. ITAR : ITAR Controlled position

# 2026-183806

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Published 08.20.2026

Job Description

A glimpse at the job:

HERE, WE CRAFT EXCELLENCE TOGETHER. At Safran, we believe in sustainable career journeys, collaboration as a cornerstone of innovation, and the freedom to explore diverse career paths. As a Lead Cost Engineer, youll contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of aerospace.

1. Occupational Summary (Position Objective & Authorities)

Objective:

Under general supervision, the Cost Engineer 2 supports the Cost Management team by estimating the recurring cost of parts, assemblies, and programs. This role is essential in assisting the Sales team during the RFQ process and ensuring cost targets are met. The Cost Engineer 2 works with cross-functional teams to support Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations with cost analysis, make/buy contributions, and cost monitoring.

To achieve this, the Cost Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams: contributing to discussions regarding cost-effective design concepts, assisting Purchasing in supplier negotiations and should cost analysis, supporting Operations in optimizing the make/buy process and labor efficiency, and working with Program Management to monitor recurring costs and overall profitability.

2. Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

Main Function Responsibilities:

A) Analyze recurring cost estimates for bids

B) Contribute to and utilize existing parametric cost models and analysis tools.

C) Support change control boards with cost impact assessments for design and process changes.

D) Participate in make/buy analyses under the direction of senior team members.

E) Assist in monitoring recurring costs throughout the project lifecycle and propose corrective actions as assigned.

F) Collaborate with other departments (Engineering, Purchasing, Program Management) to collect necessary technical and operational information for cost estimates.

G) Regularly review, maintain, and improve cost-related data sources to ensure accuracy and completeness for project and program needs.

H) Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the cost engineering function.

I) Support the cost management team by preparing recurring and ad-hoc cost reports, KPIs, and dashboards for project review meetings.

J) Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

3. Qualification Requirements-

A. Education & Qualification

• A bachelors degree in Business administration, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering or related degree is required. Or 6 years of related training and experience is required.

B. Work Experience - Technical knowledge (Acquired through previous jobs, assignments, responsibilities, etc. including language capabilities.) i.e.:

• 3+ years experience in manufacturing, cost estimation, industrial engineering, or related field.
• Working knowledge of standard costing principles, business plans, and commercial processes.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and their cost drivers.
• Experience within a manufacturing industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace) is preferred.

C. Professional Skills

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to read and understand technical and commercial documentation.

D. Behavioral Skills

• Initiative, adaptability, reliability, teamwork.
• Customer focus.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work.
• Must be able to interact and work closely with other Business Units (France and UK)
• Ability to interact with all functions of development and manufacturing process.
• Must be comfortable with multiple tasks

E. Desirable Aspects

• Familiarity with Lean-Sigma concepts
• Familiarity with Power BI

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazines ""Worlds Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

With more than one million seats installed across the fleets of the worlds leading airlines, Safran Seats is one of the global leaders in passenger, crew, aircraft and helicopter seating, delivering innovative, high value-added solutions.

Locate your future workplace

2000 Weber Dr TX 76240

Gainesville

Texas United States

Copy Address

100,000

employees worldwide

27

Number of countries where Safran is located

35

business area families