Lead Cost Engineer

What will you work on?

The Lead Cost Engineer will be responsible for leading cost optimization across the Spin Master global product portfolios, from concept through production, to maximize the value we offer to our consumers.  The position will provide expertise in proven techniques for creating initial cost estimates while factoring in design for manufacturing/assembly.  The Cost Lead will work closely with large cross-functional teams (Design, Marketing, Engineering, Quality, Packaging, etc.) to deliver on product profitability throughout the entire product lifecycle.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, generating cost estimates from sketches or preliminary CAD, training peers within the product development team on cost control methods, evolving internal Spin Master estimation tools, support cost optimization initiatives to achieve target financials, driving continuous improvement and automation projects to further increase efficiency, and working with stakeholders to balance business, design, and technical objectives.

How will you create impact?

• Provide preliminary cost estimates for parts, assemblies, and finished goods for various types of toy products
• Collaborate with Product Design, Development, and Brand Marketing and provide cost assessment for new concepts including technical guidance
• Lead product cost optimization meetings, leveraging both internal estimates and vendor quotations provided by Global Sourcing team, to reduce cost of goods and deliver on profitability
• Itemize functions/assemblies within a product to assist team with feature prioritization
• Guide and train Product Development team members on cost estimation and reduction methods with active focus on imparting expertise
• Validate cost estimates completed by other Cost Engineers or Product Development Engineers
• Partner with design and development teams to implement design for manufacturing and assembly
• Lead task forces, often on-site at the production vendor, to support brand wide cost saving initiatives
• Conduct Value Analysis/Value Engineering efforts on existing products
• Explore new materials, technology, and manufacturing processes
• Partner with Global Sourcing teams to establish initial costs for break frame components
• Drive reductions in overall tooling capital expenditures
• Maintain internal ballpark costing tool, including identifying components required for standard cost
• Use portfolio management software to enter internal estimates
• Develop costing metrics to track progress and drive organizational change
• Present project progress and results to executive level leadership
• Improve efficiency in the engineering process through continuous improvement
• Identify issues, formulate resolution action plan, and execute through to completion with limited oversight– leverage executive leadership and functional partners to gain necessary resources and support

What are your skills and experience?

• Experience in Cost Engineering, Cost Estimating, Product Engineering, and/or related field  
• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline preferred
• Toy, Games, Soft Goods, and/or CPG experience an asset
• Experience with plastics, fabrics, electronics assemblies, and packaging components
• Experience with injection molding, automation, and other mass manufacturing techniques

The anticipated pay range for candidates who will work in California is $100,000 to $120,000Per Annum. The offered pay to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to years of experience within the job, years of experience within the required industry, education, etc. Spin Master Inc. is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work only in other states.

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