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NSNA Purchasing Cost Engineer

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Date: Jan 15, 2026

Location: Auburn Hills/Troy, MI, US

Company: NSNA

Company Overview

Nippon Seiki is a world-class manufacturer of instruments for vehicles, agricultural, and construction equipment. Established in 1945, Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan, with numerous facilities worldwide. N.S. International, Ltd. ("NSI"), a group company of Nippon Seiki, located in Troy, MI, is a tier one supplier of instrument clusters and head-up display units for FCA US, General Motors, BMW, Honda, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic Cat and other OEM's.

Purpose of Job

The NSNA Purchasing Cost Engineer is responsible for leading and owning cost estimation activities across NSNA programs, with periodic support of sourcing activities and a strong focus on electronic component cost analysis. This role serves as the functional owner and subject matter leader responsible for building and maintaining a cost model within NSNA for purchased components, related tooling, and raw materials. This position is responsible for establishing, maintaining and continuously improving NSNA Cost Models for purchased components, related tooling and raw materials. The NSNA Purchasing Cost Engineer will partner closely with Costing team, Product Engineering, Commodity Buyers (domestic and international), and Supply Chain to proactively ensure Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is identified at a component level, supporting sound sourcing and program decisions. In addition, this role will actively engage in supplier quotation activities to support customer Request for Quote (RFQ) responses ensuring cost assumptions are accurate, competitive, and aligned with NSNA strategic objectives. This position also provides strategic leadership by collaborating with Advanced Engineering, to identify and assess potential suppliers for emerging technologies allowing early development of procurement cost models on emerging technology. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities

Top duties or activities in a given year. Not all tasks/steps performed are listed.

  • Building and maintaining NSNA component cost model for mechanical and electrical components as well as component tooling.
  • Identify cost savings opportunities within purchased commodities by proactively analyzing cost drivers and partnering with the Commodity Buyer team to achieve cost reductions.
  • Serve as the lead for all TCO submissions for purchased components across all customer RFQ.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality on new product designs, and investigate new technical partners as needed for support development with a strong focus on early supplier involvement for new products and customer quotes. 
  • Support the Commodity Buyer team for sourcing activities on new awarded programs.
  • Monitor raw material and component industry trends for early detection of cost opportunities and risks.

Education, Experience and Knowledge

Required and/or preferred level of education, knowledge and skills that are necessary.

Education

Bachelor Degree in Business, Finance, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or related business emphasis

MBA or advanced degree is a plus
Related Experience
  • Work requires at least 7+ years related work experience (Automotive Industry Tier 1 preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience in building and maintaining purchased component & tooling cost models for mechanical and electronic components.
  • 5+ years in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
  • Experience in identifying and supporting cost savings negotiations (Negotiation acumen preferred)
  • Experience preparing and presenting cost reports & analysis to Senior Management levels
  • Technical ability, preferably with electronics
  • Expertise with RFQ processes and benchmarking costs
  • Experience working cross functionally with Product Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Purchasing and Manufacturing to validate supplier costs
  • Experience in areas similar to ADAS, EV/HEV, HUD’s
  • Experience coordinating with project management
  • Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and remote teams
  • Experience with VA/VE methodologies and processes
  • Experience and knowledge in financial analysis, including forecasting & budget management
  • Knowledge of Campfire software (preferred)
  • Experience negotiating and operating in different cultures and working under pressure.
Special Training or Competency
  • High competence in analytical skills (Cost Model, BoM Analysis, Cost Breakdown, etc.)
  • High competence in oral, written communication, and networking skills (English Required)
  • Competence in Microsoft Office knowledge with advanced competence in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Drive, passion for a challenging environment
  • Competence in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making
  • Willing to travel
  • Ability to communicate in Spanish or Japanese (preferred)
  • Able to accommodate calls during off-hours and weekends if needed
  • Observation, understanding, and execution of applicable company ISO/IATF 16949 certification standards related to the role and impact on the overall organization.
  • Commitment to the highest ethical standard
  • Training on contractual process with suppliers by negotiating NDA’s, General Terms & Conditions and Statement of Work.
NSI Competencies
  • Adaptation/Flexibility: Includes keeping an open mind regarding new ideas and ways of doing things. Willing to consider alternative interpretations or ways of looking at the situation. Demonstrating flexibility.
  • Initiative/Results Driven: Includes setting high standards of performance for self and others. Striving to accomplish goals even if it means personal sacrifice. Putting the goals of the organization above own goals.
  • Judgment/Decision Making: Includes making decisions and takes actions that have beneficial impact. Effectively evaluating information in order to come up with sound conclusions and recommendations.
  • Resource Management: Includes setting clear objectives to guide action for self or others to accomplish goals. Organizing or adjusting information, people and materials to meet those goals.
  • Team Work: Includes encouraging and supporting the ideas and effort of others. Finding ways to help the team or group perform effectively.

Additional Information

Work Hours

Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5pm. Off-hours as needed.

Hybrid position, 2 days onsite / 3 days offsite
Travel Requirements

15-20% international and/or domestic. 

If domestic travel is necessary, valid drivers’ license is required.

If international travel is necessary, valid passport is required.
Additional Information NA

DISCLAIMER

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

N.S. International, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Candidates must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years to comply with labor laws and job responsibilities.


Nearest Major Market: Detroit