Cost Engineer - Dayton, OH

Unified Talent Group is exclusive in a search in the Dayton OH area, for an experienced Cost Engineer with deep expertise in manufacturing. The Cost Engineer will play a key role in delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates from concept through production. This position is ideal for a detail-driven professional who thrives at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and business strategy. You will be instrumental in shaping pricing decisions, supporting successful launches, and collaborating across teams to ensure cost-effective, high-quality solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop detailed and accurate cost estimates for operations
  • Analyze blueprints, specifications, and customer requirements to determine labor, material, tooling, and cycle time
  • Partner with engineering and production teams to validate feasibility, optimize designs, and control costs
  • Utilize CAD and forming software to support design interpretation and cost analysis
  • Coordinate and manage outsourcing for specialized processes as needed
  • Communicate clearly with customers regarding pricing, project status, and technical requirements
  • Participate in design reviews, quoting discussions, and pre-production meetings

Technical Skills & Qualifications

  • Extensive hands-on knowledge of steel, aluminum and other metals
  • Strong understanding of stamping dies and die design principles
  • Proficiency with CAD software
  • Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and blueprints
  • Strong computer skills, including familiarity with ERP systems

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field
  • 5+ years in manufacturing environment in project engineering, industrial engineering, estimating, or cost engineering.

Cost Engineer - Dayton, OH
Michelle DeWeese brings over two decades of proven success in executive search, with a career defined by building high-performing teams across a wide range of industries. For for the past 15 years, Michelle has specialized in talent acquisition for the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Michelle holds both a Bachelor's degree and an MBA from Michigan State University. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and spending time with her husband, Shawn, and their two Aussiedoodles, Zoe and Harper.

At Unified Talent Group, we partner with organizations of all sizes—from agile startups with limited HR infrastructure to global Fortune 100 companies. No matter where you are on your growth journey, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to streamline and strengthen your talent acquisition strategy—efficiently, effectively, and with lasting impact.