Manufacturing and Cost Estimator

Canopy A&D•Riverside, CA

1d•$75,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing and Cost Estimator at MSM Industries prepares accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates and quotations for defense, maritime, space, and aerospace manufacturing programs. This high-ownership role involves direct customer communication and developing proposal packages grounded in technically sound manufacturing strategies. The Estimator reviews customer requirements, drawings, material specifications, and engineering data to determine manufacturing scope, processes, labor, tooling, materials, and outside processing needs. The role works with Growth, Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, customers, and vendors to align quotations with customer expectations, plant capacity, manufacturing capabilities, and business goals. It requires technical knowledge of elastomeric, polymer, composite, and large structural assembly fabrication in a fast-paced defense and aerospace manufacturing environment. The position is full-time, exempt, and 100% onsite in Riverside, California. Core business hours are Monday through Friday; schedules and overtime may vary with business needs. Occasional travel may be required. The base salary range is $75,000–$90,000, with final compensation determined case by case. Benefits include company-paid employee medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) company match subject to eligibility; paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays; and discretionary bonuses. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements.

Requirements

At least 6 years of machine-shop estimating and quoting experience for medium- to high-complexity aerospace or precision-manufacturing parts.
Solid experience using cost models or formulas incorporating predetermined overhead, G&A, and profit rates.
Experience estimating and quoting CNC machining operations, including milling and turning.
Ability to read, interpret, and analyze engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and manufacturing documentation.
Knowledge of tooling requirements, machining processes, and production-planning methods.
Experience estimating and quoting in a low-to-medium-volume job-shop manufacturing environment.
Experience using ERP systems for manufacturing planning and quoting.
Strong understanding of machining metallics, plastics, composites, honeycomb core, and ablative materials.
Strong understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and technical drawing interpretation.
Ability to identify manufacturing requirements, develop solutions, and resolve technical challenges.
Ability to understand inspection methods, measurement tools, and quality requirements.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision while supporting team objectives.
Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Professional working proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments, with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use.
Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email.
Ability to use a computer to complete assignments.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with JobBoss or similar manufacturing ERP systems.
CNC programming experience.
Aerospace manufacturing estimating experience.
Experience working in an AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of aerospace quality requirements and customer flow-down requirements.
Experience with composites, thermal protection systems, or advanced manufacturing materials.

Responsibilities

Organize and prepare customer quote and proposal packages using formats such as MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and Epicor ERP, coordinating input from business development, engineering, and operations stakeholders.
Identify routing steps and operational sequences for processes including polymer and rubber molding, urethane and silicone casting, composite lamination and bonding, CNC machining and routing, laser cutting, and subsystem kitting and assembly.
Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, blueprints, and related documentation to determine scope and requirements.
Develop manufacturing plans identifying required processes, equipment, tooling, programming, setup operations, materials, labor hours, and outside processing.
Prepare cost estimates and quotations using established labor and overhead rates, material costs, and supplier pricing.
Evaluate requirements for CNC machining, fabrication, composites, and other aerospace manufacturing processes.
Identify and obtain pricing from approved outside-processing suppliers based on customer and drawing requirements.
Interpret technical specifications, quality clauses, material requirements, and customer requirements; identify risks and ensure compliance.
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand production capabilities and develop effective manufacturing approaches.
Prepare formal price and delivery quotations for internal and external customers.
Communicate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams regarding quotations, requirements, and project updates.
Follow up on open RFQs and proposals and update quotations as needed.
Maintain accurate RFQ and proposal tracking records to support reporting and key performance indicators.
Support development and maintenance of work instructions for new and existing programs.
Perform risk assessments and identify potential cost, schedule, and manufacturing challenges.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and estimating process improvements.
Follow 5S standards and health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
Support cross-functional operations as needed.