Supply Chain Cost Engineer

About the role

• Supply Chain Cost Engineer | Tesla (Supply Chain)
• Location: PALO ALTO, California | Req ID: 278022 | Job Type: Full-time
• 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 CapEx, 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 CapEx 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
• 3–10 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 aPriori, Tableau, Power BI, etc. is preferred

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$104,000 - $192,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.