Estimator

Ascent Aerospace•Lake Orion, MI

151d

About The Position

Ascent Aerospace is a single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems and tooling for the aerospace and defense industry. The Estimator develops labor and material cost estimates for manufacturing, engineering, and aerospace tooling from prospective customer submissions. Estimates may be based on completed designs or on concepts developed internally or by customers. The position requires attention to detail and the ability to explain cost-development methods to management, contract personnel, proposal coordinators, customer representatives, price auditors, vendors, and subcontractors. The Estimator reviews customer models, drawings, CAD data, and specifications; develops manufacturing plans and estimates for tooling design, fabrication, machining, assembly, installation, and related work; documents estimate inputs and methods; and coordinates proposals with internal and external stakeholders. The role works with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, sales, vendors, and leadership to develop accurate estimates, lead times, pricing, and bid strategies. It also supports proposal and bid submissions, identifies cost risks and opportunities, and helps negotiate and win business. The position has no supervisory responsibility. Travel is primarily local during the business day, though some projects may require out-of-area travel and overnight stays. The work is generally performed seated at a computer workstation, with possible access to the manufacturing plant and travel to other sites. The employee may encounter moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, vibration, and caustic chemicals. Weekends may be required to meet department and business demands. Eyewear is mandatory in manufacturing areas, and safety shoes are recommended. Employment is contingent on passing reference and criminal background checks and drug screening. The role requires U.S.-person status under ITAR.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, or Industrial Management; equivalent combinations of education and experience may also qualify.
3–7+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, tooling, or cost estimating.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD models and understand how their details affect cost.
Aerospace industry experience, preferably in tooling or toolmaking.
Knowledge or experience in weld fabrication, CNC machining, assembly and build, inspection, composite tooling, metallic tooling, fixtures and jigs, bond tooling, or additive manufacturing.
Proficiency in Excel.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to problem-solve and resolve program issues professionally.
Must meet export-control requirements as a U.S. person under ITAR.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including lifting and moving up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work weekends when required to meet department and business demands.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of cost-estimating methods ranging from detailed bids to parametric modeling for large-scale quotations.
Expert-level knowledge of manufacturing and machining processes, raw material types, and quality policies.
Familiarity with requirements from core aerospace customers.
Experience with CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or other CAD software.
Familiarity with ERP systems.
Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards.
Experience estimating fixtures, molds, or composite layup tools.

Responsibilities

Use customer models, drawings, and specifications to estimate labor, materials, and outsourcing for tooling design, manufacturing, and installation.
Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to assess tooling requirements and cost impacts.
Break down tools and develop manufacturing plans to estimate hours for material processing, fabrication, machining, assembly, painting, quality checks, shipping, installation, and final buy-off.
Organize estimate inputs and document cost-development methods for future quotes.
Coordinate and prepare large proposals using input from internal and external groups.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams to develop accurate estimates.
Analyze tooling complexity, manufacturing processes, long-lead commercial items, and production timelines to develop lead times.
Request and review vendor quotes for outsourced processes.
Support proposal development and bid submissions.
Identify cost risks and opportunities.
Provide technical input during project planning and tooling design reviews.
Use input from sales staff and industry contacts to develop suggested pricing and bid strategies.
Present bids and bid strategies to the leadership team for approval.
Collaborate with the Sales Team to negotiate and win business.
Prioritize estimating work and manage multiple quotes to ensure accurate, timely submissions.
Perform additional duties as reasonably assigned by management.